The College's softball team continued to struggle this week, dropping three out of four games, leaving the Lions (12-12) victorious in only two of their last 11 games.
The Lions were swept in a doubleheader by Rutgers University-Camden with scores of 6-3 and 6-0.
In the opener, the Scarlet Raptors led the Lions early on, scoring two unearned runs in the first inning. The Lions offense picked up in the bottom of the fourth with an RBI single from senior outfielder Jen Hughes followed by a solo home run from senior Tara Harrigan in the fifth inning.
"I've just been trying to get on base so we can try and score some runs," Harrigan said. "I've been seeing the ball really well and the home runs and the doubles just come with it."
The Lions couldn't keep up with the Scarlet Raptors as they scored three more runs in the fifth inning. Senior pitcher Julianne Lajiness took the loss for the College after giving up four runs (two earned) in four innings.
The second game of the doubleheader saw the Scarlet Raptors take another early lead, scoring three runs in the first inning. The Scarlet Raptors continued to shut out the Lions, scoring a run in the second, fifth and sixth innings - all unanswered by the Lions.
Coming off its losses against Rutgers, the College went on to play another doubleheader against No. 13 Montclair State University (MSU). The Lions were shut out for the second time in one week as the Red Hawks won the opener 5-0. Once again, Lajiness took the loss, allowing five runs, seven hits and striking out six. Lajiness is 7-4 on the season.
The Lions finally found their offense in the second game, plating four runs in the third inning. They added to their lead with two more runs in the fifth and sixth innings, taking the game 6-0.
"We came back and showed them how we really play," Harrigan said. "We have the ability to beat anyone in the conference like that, as long as we go out and attack them."
Senior pitcher Heather Hoffman allowed only three singles and one double by MSU, keeping the Red Hawks scoreless the entire game. Hoffman earned her first win of the season.
Lions softball continues at home against Lebanon Valley College on Thursday at 3 p.m. The College is then scheduled to visit New Jersey City University on Saturday for a conference game at 1 p.m.
