Even the relentless gusts of wind couldn’t slow down Rowan softball as they swept their fellow New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) foe, NJCU, in its doubleheader on Saturday, April 6. The Profs took game one with a score of 8-1 and game two with a score of 12-1. The pair of wins move Rowan’s overall record to 19-5, with their conference record now standing at a perfect 4-0.
The Profs offense was led by catcher Kaitlyn Riggs, who went a combined 5-6 with 5 RBI across the two games and set a season-high with 3 RBI in game one. Her first RBI came after a base hit to left field and capped off a three-run first inning for the Profs.
“I felt like I was seeing the ball really well, hitting pitches that I know I can hit,” Riggs said. “When they make mistakes I want to capitalize on it.”
Riggs wasn’t the only one having her way at the plate throughout the day though, as Cat Thomas went a combined 3-7 with 4 RBI across the two games. In game one, she legged out an RBI triple in the first inning to tie the game at one, which proved to be the catalyst for Rowan’s offense.
In addition to the hot bats, Rowan was aggressive on the base paths, taking advantage of the four errors committed by NJCU throughout the doubleheader while also stealing three bags, all of which came in game one.
“We were definitely trying to run a little bit,” head coach Kim Wilson said. “We wanted to put the ball in play and put pressure on them to hopefully cause some mistakes.”
On the mound, Rowan once again received strong performances out of their dynamic duo of Rylee Lutz and Emily McCutcheon. Lutz allowed four hits and struck out six in a complete game effort during game one. In game two, McCutcheon allowed just three hits and struck out two in four innings of work.
“I think they were throwing well, seeing them make adjustments to the strike zone was good because we figured out what works well and what doesn’t work,” Riggs said. “We’re all just having fun too so I think that helps us out as well.”
With the wins today, the Profs extended their winning streak to 13 games. Just don’t mention that fact to Wilson.
“That’s the first time I’ve heard that, so don’t jinx that,” Wilson said with a laugh. “We just come out and play our game one at a time and whatever happens, happens.”
Up next, Rowan remains at home to face William Paterson in more NJAC action, hoping to continue their winning ways.
For comments/questions about this story DM us on Instagram @TheWhitSports or email @the.whit.sport@gmail.com
