FT. MYERS, Fla. – The Neumann University softball team recently travelled to Florida for their annual spring break trip to start the season. The Knights returned home from Florida with an even 4-4 record to begin the year.
The trip started off very nicely for the Knights, as they were able to come away with wins in their first two games on March 7th. In the first game of the day, Neumann prevailed over New Jersey City University 7-3. Brittany Campbell picked up the win on the mound for the Knights, throwing four strong innings before handing the ball over to Carley Gustin, who picked up the save. Offensively, Neumann was paced by Kim Kirkpatrick and Megan Appold, who both homered in the win. In the second game of the day, the Knights took on the Battling Bishop of Ohio Wesleyan University. Crystal Perlman led the way for Neumann driving in five runs, including four on her first collegiate grand slam. Rachel Purpuro picked up the win on the mound for the Knights, throwing a complete game and giving up only one run in Neumann's 7-1 victory.
Day two of the trip saw Neumann come away with both a win and a loss. In the first game of the day versus Eastern Nazarene, Brittany Campbell and Carley Gustin again led the Knights with a strong pitching performance. The two pitchers combined on a 3-hit gem, giving up only one run while striking out seven. Offensively, Crystal Perlman was 2-2 at the plate with the game-winning RBI in the bottom of the 5th, while Kelsey Mazur also added two hits. Callie Emel provided the other RBI for Neumann. In the second game of the day, Neumann was haunted by a slow start and never got the bats going in a 3-0 loss to Wilmington. Three first-inning runs proved to be the difference. Nicole Spina picked up two of the Knights six hits in the game.
Day three for the Knights started off with a wacky game against Anna Maria College. The Knights entered the bottom of the sixth with a 3-1 lead, only to see the Anna Maria score 9 runs and take a 10-3 lead. The Knights fought back in the top of the seventh to get back two runs, but it wasn't enough as they fell 10-5. Jackie Herrington led the way for Neumann, knocking in four runs with a homer and a double. Game two of the day proved to be a much better result for the Knights. In a tightly contested game that came down to the wire, Neumann was able to pull out a 3-2 win over Drew University. With the game tied at two entering the bottom of the seventh inning, Mariah Ripken hit a lead-off triple to put the Knights in position to win the game. After Deanna Christy was hit by a pitch, Lauren Strack delivered a game winning single to seal the 3-2 win for Neumann. Carley Gustin picked up the win for the Knights, hurling three innings of one-hit ball.
The final day of the trip was a sour one for Neumann, as the team lost both games it played. In the first game of the day versus Bridgewater State, the Knights fell 5-3 in a rain-soaked game. A four-run third inning by the Bears proved to be the difference in the game. Mariah Ripken and Jacki Herrington both had two hits for Neumann. In the final game of the trip, the Knights were defeated 7-1 by Dominican College. Neumann pitchers conceded four home-runs to the Stars, while the Knights left eight runners stranded on base. Nicole Spina provided the only run for the Knights, as she homered in the top of the fourth inning.
Box Scores:
Neumann 7, New Jersey City 3
Neumann 7, Ohio Wesleyan 1
Neumann 2, Eastern Nazarene 1
Wilmington 3, Neumann 0
Anna Marie 10, Neumann 5
Neumann 3, Drew 2
Bridgewater St. 5, Neumann 3
Dominican 7, Neumann 1
