The Fairfield University softball team remained in first place in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) after sweeping Rider University on Monday afternoon. The Stags won the opener by a 3-0 score and the second game by a 5-2 count to improve to 22-15 overall and 7-1 in MAAC play.

In the opener, the Stags struck early with a pair of runs in the top of the first. Kristen Filicia started the rally when she received first base after being hit by a pitch. It marked the 11th time this season that Filicia reached base after being struck by a pitch. She stole second base and went to third when Mikayla Shumate poked an infield single to the left side, placing runners at the corners. Shumate stole second to put two runners in scoring position. Lauren Liseth walked to load the bases, bringing Alli Wigand to the plate. The junior drove a pitch to left field to send home two runners and give the Stags a 2-0 advantage.

Sarah Minice entered the pitching circle in the bottom of the first inning and allowed only a one-out walk before inducing a ground out and a pop up to end the inning. The right hander would go on to retire 16 straight hitters before Jen Steward broke up the streak when a fielding error led to a base runner. Kehli Washington followed with an infield hit to put runners on first and second, but Minice picked up a strike out to end the threat.

The Stags added their third run in the top of the sixth inning without the benefit of a hit. Rae Ball walked to open the inning, stole second, and took third on a wild pitch. Tiffany Lawson drove her home with a ground out for a 3-0 advantage.

Rider managed one more rally in the game, putting runners on first and second with a pair of singles before Minice ended the game with a strike out. The pitcher finished the game by allowing one walk and three hits in seven innings. She also struck out six hitters in the game.

In the second game, Fairfield trailed twice by a run but rallied to tie the game at 1-1 and 2-2. The Stags tied the game for the second time in the top of the fourth when Rae Ball walked and took second after Tiffany Lawson singled. Ball would eventual score on an error to make the score 2-2.

Fairfield won the game in the top of the eighth after Filicia and Shumate slapped infield singles. With two outs, Wigand drew a walk to load the bases. Ball was the next batter and promptly hit a three-run double to break the game open.

Minice earned her second win of the day in relief of starter Rebecca Trott. The senior did not allow a run in 5.2 innings of work and surrendered just two hits.

The Stags return to action on Wednesday afternoon when they host Central Connecticut State University.

Posted On: 04-25-2011 11:04 AM

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