LITTLE RIVER, S.C. – The New Jersey City University (NJCU) softball team fell to Gwynedd Mercy, 6–1, on the final day of the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic on March 11 at the North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex.

The Gothic Knights (1–8) were outhit by the Griffins (2–3), 11–6, while both teams committed two errors.

Gwynedd Mercy struck first in the opening inning when a triple to right-center field drove in a run to give the Griffins a 1–0 lead. They added another run in the third inning after a triple to left-center was followed by a sacrifice fly to extend the advantage to 2–0.

The Griffins broke the game open in the fifth inning, scoring four runs on three hits and an error to take a commanding 6–0 lead.

NJCU got on the board in the bottom of the sixth inning. Junior Danika Borza (Keyport, N.J./Keyport) singled to right field and freshman Natalie Santiago Rivera (Ewing, N.J./Ewing) entered as a pinch runner. Rivera advanced to third when senior Natalie Rosales (Union City, N.J./Jose Marti STEM Academy) reached on a throwing error by the third baseman. With one out, junior Emma Grochowski (Baldwin, N.Y./Baldwin) lifted a sacrifice fly to right field, allowing Santiago Rivera to score and cut the deficit to 6–1.

Grochowski finished 2-for-2 at the plate with the Gothic Knights' lone RBI.

Junior Maggie Martin (Spring Lake Heights, N.J./Manasquan) (0–6) pitched 4.1 innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits while striking out three batters. Borza came on in relief and threw the final 2.2 innings, allowing one run on four hits with one strikeout.

For Gwynedd Mercy, Hannah Smith and Ashlyn Merz each drove in two runs, while Smith also scored twice. The Griffins recorded three triples, two doubles, and an inside-the-park home run.

Mckenzie Price (1–1) earned the win in the circle, tossing a complete game while allowing six hits and one run with three strikeouts.

UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights will face Mitchell College in their final game of the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic later today.

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