Pioneers Take Two From Rangers

MADISON, N.J. (April 8, 2010) - William Paterson (16-5-1) swept the Rangers for the third time in as many seasons as Drew falls to 7-15 on the season. The Pioneer pitching staff scattered four hits and struck out 10 batters to keep the Rangers off the the scoreboard for the majority of the afternoon.

Game 1

Drew starting pitcher, Adriana Durso (Old Tappan, N.J./No. Valley Old Tappan), had a strong first two innings of work until she ran into some trouble in the top of the third. A walk, two hits and an error helped the Pioneers jump out to an early 4-0 lead.

The four runs were all William Paterson pitcher Michelle Graham would need. She was near perfect in five innings of work, facing only 17 batters and striking out five to earn her ninth win on the season.

The Rangers lone two hits came courtesy of Jeramie Barletta (Madison, N.J/Madison) and Nicole Spiotta (Morris Plains, N.J./Morristown). Drew stranded Barletta in the top of the first after she led off the inning beating out an infield single and Spiotta was also left on base after a lead-off single in the top of the fifth.

The 10-0 Pioneer victory matched the highest margin of victory for an opponent this season against the Rangers.

Game 2

The Pioneers picked up right where they left off in game one when they put up three runs in the top of the first inning, the fourth consecutive inning William Paterson would score. This time the Rangers would respond an inning later by piecing together two runs that made the score, 3-2, at the end of two.

Brenda Kramer (Tarzana, Calif./Sierra Canyon) ignited the one-out rally when she attempted to bunt for a hit and after fielding the ball cleanly Pioneer pitcher Jenna Natale threw the ball away while trying to get the hustling Kramer. Jesyka Marko (Winfield, N.J./David Brearley) would then step in and deliver a single to center field moving Kramer to third. Rebecca Skedzielewski (Cedarville, N.J/Gloucester County Institute) came up and hit a lined shot to short that was misplayed allowing Marko and Kramer to score.

Vitale would bear down and retire 14 of the next 15 Rangers to seal the 4-2 victory for William Paterson.

The Rangers will host a Landmark Conference doubleheader on Saturday when Catholic comes to town. Game one is scheduled to start at 1:00.