Madison, N.J. (3/29/23) – The Kean University softball team swept host Drew University by identical 3-1 scores on Wednesday afternoon in non-conference action.

Game One – Kean 3, Drew 1

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Rangers (12-8) struck first with a single run in the bottom of the first as Molly O'Brien basically manufactured her own run as with two outs she singled to get aboard.  She swiped second and third and came around to score on a single.

Kean (14-4) tied things up in their next at-bat as Karly Messina singled with one out.  She later scored on an Andee Perseponko single.

Messina put the Cougars in front with a two out, RBI single in the top of the third.

Kean added insurance in the seventh as Brianna Sciulli walked to start the frame.  She later scored on a sac fly from Eliza Filus.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

Offensively Messina was 3-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI while Gianna Pickens was 2-for-4 with a run scored.

In the circle, Heather Clevenger picked up her second win in as many starts.  She allowed just one run and five hits with four strikeouts and three walks.

Game Two – Kean 3, Drew 1

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Kean came out swinging and took an early 2-0 lead.  Pickens got herself into scoring position with a one out triple and Filus drove her home with a double.  With two outs, Messina kept her strong offensive day going with an RBI single.

Drew cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the same inning as Madi Precht led off with a single and moved around the bases with two sac bunts.  She would score on a Josie DiTroia single.

The Cougars added insurance in their half of the fourth as Messina collected her fifth hit of the afternoon with one out.  She scored later in the inning off an RBI double from Isabella Polash. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

Sydney Hixenbaugh (3-3) earned the win in relief as she tossed six innings of shutout ball allowing just two hits while striking out five.

UP NEXT:

Kean opens up NJAC play on Saturday when they host The College of New Jersey at noon.