SOFTBALL CLOSES OUT FLORIDA TRIP WITH 5-2 WIN OVER RHODE ISLAND

BOX SCORE CLEARWATER, Fla. – Radford rebounded from an early deficit and received a complete-game effort from freshman Allie Reid in a 5-2 victory over Rhode Island on the final day at the City of Clearwater Invitational. The Highlanders (7-14) finished 4-1 this weekend.

After a two-run four-hit first, Reid settled down and allowed just two base runners the rest of the way She struck out two, did not walk a batter, and retired 18 of the final 20 batters, including the last 12 of the contest.

Freshman Becky Mantel went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and junior Jessie Hutchens knocked in two runs.

The Highlanders matched their school record for the second time this weekend with eight stolen bases. Senior Morgan Eye (Bridgewater, Va./Turner Ashby) recorded three of those which also tied a school record.

The Rams struck for two runs in the top of the first on a two-run bases loaded single by Jacelyn Mattson. Further damage was avoided as Reid induced three bases loaded pop ups to end the frame.

The Highlanders got on of those back in the bottom half on a RBI groundout from Hutchens. She plated Mantel who led off with a single, stole second and moved to third on a wild pitch.

A RBI infield single by Hutchens and a double steal pushed Radford ahead 3-2 in the third.

They would add two more in the fourth as three straight singles, two bunts, and a sac fly made it 5-2. Following a leadoff single by senior Ryndee Ruch, sophomore Hilari Hopkins and freshman Nia Chiles dropped down perfect back-to-back bunts, the latter plating Ruch with the first run. Two batters later, freshman Emily Naegele lofted a sac fly to left.

Radford opens conference play at home on Wednesday, March 20 hosting in-state rival Liberty in a single game at 4:00 p.m.

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