GLASSBORO, N.J. (5/4/13) – The Kean University softball team exploded for five runs in the top of the eighth to vanquish The College of New Jersey from the NJAC Tournament in a 7-2 game on Saturday. The Cougars will take Rowan University later in the day for a berth in the championship round.

Picking up the game in the bottom of the seventh, Kean held a 2-1 lead and was three outs away from advancing. A leadoff walk and a single put the tying and game-winning runs on base, however, and a sacrifice placed both runners in scoring position. Then passed ball allowed the tying run to score and put the winning run on third.

Lindsey Williams lifted a flyball into rightfield, and the runner Michelle Casale tagged from third. Megan Cegielski caught the ball and fired home to catcher Jill Martin, where Casale was punched out for the double play to send the game to extras.

Wasting no time, Kean got a hit batter and an infield single by Katie Schuh before Cegielski (pictured left) ripped a double down the leftfield line to score both runners and give the Cougars the lead. Then with two outs, Courtney Yard, Kelly Moorehead, Courtney Melchionna and Casey Glatts all had consecutive basehits to score three more runs and blow the game open.

Yard pitched all eight innings for Kean and allowed just one earned run while striking out six.

Results from Saturday's second game to follow.