Union, N.J. (4/15/25) – The Kean University softball team split in NJAC action against William Paterson University on Tuesday.

Game One – William Paterson 4, Kean 3

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Pioneers (12-14, 5-7 NJAC) scored the game's first run without the aid of a hit in the first inning.

WP made it 2-0 in the third with their first hit of the day, an RBI single.  They added one more on a Cougar miscue.

William Paterson added a single run in the fifth to push ahead 4-0 after a leadoff double and small ball.

Kean cut the deficit in half in the same frame scoring on a wild pitch and sac fly.

The Cougars pulled within one in the sixth as Maya Thompson led off with a four pitch walk and moved to second on a passed ball.  After a strikeout and fly out, Thompson was at third and scored on the second passed ball of the inning.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

The Pioneers recorded just three hits, but took advantage of six walks.  Lilah Guthy had two RBI for the Pioneers and earned the save after tossing a scoreless seventh inning.

Taylor Palmieri earned the win after allowing three unearned runs and four hits.

Game Two – Kean 5, William Paterson 3

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Cougars trailed 2-0 heading into the sixth.  Gina Mahlik led off with a double and Kean proceeded to load the bases as Thompson reached on an error and Lauren Paulk singled.  With one out, Samantha Raymond delivered with a grand slam to right off the top of the wall.  Kean added one more after scoring on an error.

The Pioneers rallied for one run in the seventh and loaded the bases with two outs, but the Cougars were able to work out of the jam to secure the split.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

Olivia Quercia earned the complete game win to improve to 5-2.

Mahlik finished with two doubles.

UP NEXT:

Kean travels to Montclair State on Saturday.