LITTLE RIVER, S.C. – The New Jersey City University Gothic Knights softball dropped a close 2-1 decision to Immaculata Mighty Macs softball on Monday, March 8, at the North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex.

Despite out-hitting Immaculata, 6-5, the Gothic Knights (0-5) came up just short in a tightly contested game where both teams played error-free defense. The Mighty Macs improved to 1-1 on the season.

NJCU took an early lead in the top of the first inning. Sophomore Emily Cammarata (Matawan , N.J./Matawan Regional) drew a leadoff walk, stole second base, and moved to third on a groundout. She later scored on a wild pitch to give the Gothic Knights a 1-0 advantage.

Immaculata responded in the bottom of the third inning, stringing together a single, a walk, and a double to left field to plate two runs and take a 2-1 lead.

The Gothic Knights threatened to tie the game later in the contest. With two outs, sophomore Emma Hanlon (Highland, N.Y./Highland) reached base on a bunt toward third and quickly stole second and third. Cammarata then hit a ground ball to second base, and the field umpire initially ruled her safe at first, which would have allowed Hanlon to score. However, the plate umpire overturned the call, ending the inning and the scoring chance.

Hanlon led NJCU offensively, going 2-for-2 with two stolen bases. Cammarata scored the team's lone run and added two stolen bases. Kiara Taylor (Berlin, Md./Stephen Decatur), Natalie Rosales (Union City, N.J./Jose Marti STEM Academy), and Emma Grochowski (Baldwin, N.Y./Baldwin) each contributed a hit for the Gothic Knights.

Jamie Green paced Immaculata, finishing 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. Emily Davis and Madison Formica each scored a run for the Mighty Macs.

Junior Maggie Martin (Spring Lake Heights, N.J./Manasquan) (0-3) pitched a complete game for NJCU, allowing five hits and two runs over six innings while recording the game's lone strikeout. Nadia Bhuyian (1-0) earned the win for Immaculata, tossing seven innings and surrendering six hits and one run.

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NJCU will play its second game of the day against Penn State Abington Nittany Lions softball.