Manhattan University Athletics

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday afternoon, the Manhattan College softball team began play at the Capital Classic by taking on host George Washington.  Despite getting on the board first, the Jaspers (2-7) were unable to come away with the victory, dropping an 8-4 decision to the Colonials (7-15-1) at GW Softball Field.

Manhattan struck immediately in the top of the first.  Kate Bowen (Newtown, Conn.) was hit by a pitch to start the game and Elena Bowman (San Mateo, Calif.) followed with a walk.  With two out, Andi Stallard (Katy, Texas) gave the Jaspers a 1-0 lead with an RBI single to center.

However, George Washington put up a six-spot in the second   The Jaspers got one back when Stephanie Reinhardt (Albany, N.Y.) drew a bases loaded walk in the top of the third, but Morgan Matetic belted a home run in the bottom half of the inning to make it 7-1.  The Colonials added another run on Megan Linn's RBI single in the fourth.

The Jaspers rallied for two more runs in the sixth.  Bowen led off the inning with a single and advanced to third on an error before scoring on a Bowman groundout.  After Amanda Paxson (Cedar Grove, N.J.) drew a walk and Stallard singled, Kelsey Brennan (East Windsor, N.J.) delivered a pinch-hit double that brought Manhattan within 8-4.

Bowen and Stallard each had three hits for the Jaspers.  Bowen added two runs, while Paxson also scored twice.  Amy Bright (Manlius, N.Y.) (0-5) took the loss after giving up six runs (five earned) on seven hits and striking out three in two innings.  Danielle Gabriel (Island Heights, N.J.) tossed three innings, yielding two runs on three hits with two strikeouts and a walk, while Anna Crowley (Eastchester, NY.) allowed one hit in a scoreless sixth.

Victoria Valos went 3-for-4 with an RBI for the Colonials.  Matetic finished 2-for-2 with a double, a homer, two runs scored and two RBIs, while Bradleigh Breland had a pair of triples and scored twice.  Courtney Martin started in the circle and lasted 2.1 innings.  She surrendered two runs on five hits, struck out one and walked two.  Meghan Rico (4-6) earned the win after striking out eight and walking five over 4.2 innings of two-run, four-hit ball.