MONTCLAIR, N.J. (4/24/21) – Julie Raba went 3-for-6 over two games as the Kean University softball team dropped a New Jersey Athletic Conference doubleheader to Montclair State University on Saturday afternoon.

Montclair State 1, Kean 0 (8 Inn.)
Gabriella Fredette went 1-for-1, while Taryn DiGiacomo, Raba, Gianna Pickens and Maria Bonfanti all finished 1-for-3 as the Cougars (17-6, 7-6 NJAC) fell in extra innings to the Red Hawks (10-5, 9-4 NJAC).

Kean and MSU combined for 11 hits and left 14 runners on base in the classic pitching duel. Kean's best chance to score came in the fourth as the Cougars threated with runners in scoring position and just one out. Unfortunately, back-to-back outs took away the opportunity and the game remained scoreless.  

The contest remained scoreless into the eighth when a double-down the left field line gave the Red Hawks the victory.

DiGiacomo fanned seven batters in 7 1/3 inning pitched.  

Montclair State 5, Kean 0
Raba went 2-for-3, while Maddie Carlson and DiGiacomo both finished 1-for-3 as the Cougars (17-7, NJAC) were shutout by the Red Hawks (11-5, 10-4 NJAC) in the nightcap.

Kean scattered four hits and left five runners on base as MSU notched all five runs across the fourth and fifth innings. The Red Hawks scored three runs in the fourth with a two-RBI double and an RBI single. Montclair added to their run total in the fifth with a two-run homer to center.

Heather Clevenger struck out two batters in 3 2/3 innings pitched, while Karly Messina made a relief appearance and fanned a batter in 2 1/3 innings pitched.  

Head Coach Margie Acker and the Cougars will return to action in Galloway, N.J. on Tuesday, Apr. 27^th, against the Ospreys of Stockton University for a doubleheader beginning at 3:00 p.m.