Union, N.J. (4/5/23) – The Kean University softball team split with Arcadia University in non-conference action on Wednesday.

Game One – Kean 3, Arcadia 2

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Knights (14-12) jumped out to an early 2-0 lead as Allison LaRochelle lined a two RBI single up the middle, scoring two unearned runs, in the top of the first.

Kean (17-7) got one back in the bottom of the same inning as Melody Caces scored on a wild pitch after walking to start the inning.

The Cougars tied things up at two-all in the bottom of the third as Karly Messina delivered a two out single up the middle, scoring Caces who again walked to lead off the inning.

Kean recorded the go-ahead run in the bottom of the sixth as Sydney Hixenbaugh helped her own cause with a sac fly.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

Hixenbaugh (5-3) earned the complete game win allowing two unearned runs and five hits.  She walked one and struck out two.

Game Two – Arcadia 6, Kean 4 (8 innings)

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Kean was first to get on the board as Messina lofted a sac fly in the first inning.

Arcadia took the lead in the top of the second. Effie Jamanis doubled home her sister Xanthe Jamanis and Devon Fithian lofted a two run homer for a 3-1 lead.

Megan Sooy added to the Arcadia lead in the third with a solo shot.

Kean chipped away with two runs in the fourth as Hixenbaugh came through with a two RBI pinch-hit.

Messina tied the game up in the bottom of the sixth as recorded a bases loaded RBI groundout.

The Cougars had the winning run on third with one out in the bottom of the seventh, but Juliana Presto, working her second straight game, was able to get out of the jam with two strikeouts to end the threat.

In extra innings, Arcadia's Nathalia Dilanni launched a two out, two run homerun over the scoreboard to put them back on top, 6-4.

Kean again had another opportunity with two runners in scoring position and no outs, but Presto worked out of trouble with two strikeouts and a pop up for the win.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

Presto (10-5) tossed both games in today's action.  In the nightcap she allowed 12 hits and four runs with four walks and eight strikeouts.

Offensively for Kean, Caces, Autaum Hilyer, Filus and Brianna Sciulli all had two hits.

UP NEXT:

Kean travels to Stockton University on Saturday for a twinbill.