Union, N.J. (5/8/25) – The Kean University softball team stayed alive in the New Jersey Athletic Conference Tournament with a 6-2 extra inning win over Montclair State University on Thursday evening.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Cougars (22-21) jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first as Gina Mahlik doubled home Brianna Sciulli who led off with a walk.  Later in the frame, Samantha Raymond lined an RBI single up the middle for the quick lead.

The Red Hawks (24-17) got one back in the bottom of the first after two Cougar miscues allowed Sophia Alonso to score from second.

The score would remain that way until the sixth with two outs when MSU's Carly Iannone lined a shot towards second that was stopped by Kiley Allen to keep it in the infield, but Alonso, who was at second, was running all the way and tied the game at two-all.

Later in the ninth with two outs senior Andee Perseponko worked a full count walk to keep the inning alive.  After swiping second, she came around to score what would be the winning run as Mahlik connected on her second RBI double of the night.  Maya Thompson added insurance with a monster shot to center as Kean led 5-2.  The Cougars were not done as Raymond walked and Lauren Paulk singled to put runners on first and second.  Kylie Petak rounded out the scoring with a single to the gap.

Nikki Lusnia, who entered in the sixth, then retired the side in the bottom of the ninth with three pop ups to earn the win.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

Mahlik was 2-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI.

Lusnia (12-11) tossed four scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out two.

UP NEXT:

Kean will face either Rowan or Ramapo in an elimination game at Rowan on Saturday at noon.