UNION, N.J. – The Neumann University softball team lost a tough 4-3 game to Kean University in the first game of the NCAA Tournament on Friday afternoon.
 
The Cougars got on the board first with a solo homerun in the first inning. The rest of the scoring would coming in the final two innings, though the Knights had their chances.
 
Neumann tied the game at one in the top of the sixth inning. Jackie Schneider singled and came around to score on a single by pinch hitter Kendall Boardman. The Knights then took the lead in the top of the seventh when Becky Guinto hit a solo shot to left field with two outs. Schneider followed with a double and came around to score on a double by Julia Cox for a 3-1 lead.
 
Kean did not go quiet in the home half of the seventh. With one out, the Cougars hit four straight singles. The Knights got the second out, but the Cougars laid down a bunt and the winning run scored.
 
Jen Sieminski pitched the game for the Knights. She allowed four runs, three earned, on nine hits and struck out three.
 
Neumann (28-15) will face Mount Saint Mary (N.Y.) tomorrow in the first elimination game. Weather depending, the game will begin at 1:30 PM.