LITTLE RIVER, S.C. – The New Jersey City University (NJCU) softball team dropped its season opener, 2-1, to Hilbert College on Saturday, March 7 at the NMB Sports Complex.

Hilbert (1–2) scored both of its runs in the third inning. With two outs, the Hawks used two walks and a single to right field to bring home two runs.

NJCU (0–1) recorded its first hit in the fifth inning and turned it into its first run of the season. With two outs, sophomore Emily Cammarata (Matawan , N.J./Matawan Regional) reached first base on a fielding error by the shortstop. Junior Jaeda Figueroa (Jersey City, N.J./Hudson Catholic) followed with a single to third base, advancing Cammarata to second. Sophomore Emma Hanlon (Highland, N.Y./Highland) then delivered a single to right field to score Cammarata and cut the deficit to 2–1.

Both teams finished with three hits, while Hilbert committed one error.

Senior Maggie Martin (Spring Lake Heights, N.J./Manasquan) (0-1) started in the circle for NJCU, pitching 2.2 innings and allowing two runs on three hits while striking out two. Junior Danika Borza (Keyport, N.J./Keyport) came on in relief and tossed 3.1 hitless innings, striking out two.

Hilbert's Kailey Stolowski (1-0) earned the win, pitching 4.2 innings while allowing two hits and striking out six.

Hanlon recorded the lone RBI for NJCU, finishing 1-for-2 with two stolen bases. Figueroa and sophomore Kiara Taylor (Berlin, Md./Stephen Decatur) also had one hit each, with Taylor adding a stolen base. Junior Elyze Lopez (Reseda, Calif./John F. Kennedy) contributed with a sacrifice hit.

For Hilbert, Alana Yadov drove in both runs. Emma Gionta and Jazlynn Soliz scored on Yadov's hit, while Gionta and Shelby Schimek each recorded a hit.

Up Next:
The Gothic Knights face Delaware Valley University in their second game of the day on Saturday.