Game 26 Final Score
Drexel (1-20, 1-5 CAA) – 11
Monmouth (9-17, 5-1 CAA) – 9
WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – The Monmouth University Softball Team erupted for eight runs in the third inning, but Drexel rallied late to edge the Hawks 11-9 on Sunday afternoon at MU Softball Park, salvaging a win from the weekend series.
The Hawks put together a strong offensive showing, with two-RBI efforts from four different Hawks:
Kylee McLain,
Lexi Castaneda,
Gianna Stern, and
Kaitlynn Place.
Drexel opened the scoring with a run in the first and three in the third to take a 4-0 lead, but Monmouth's bats came alive in the third. The Hawks sent 12 batters to the plate, capitalizing on timely hits and defensive miscues to surge ahead 8-4. McLain ripped a two-run single to spark the rally, while Place capped it two a two-run double off the centerfield wall.
Drexel chipped away at the deficit, scoring one in the fourth, three in the fifth and two in the sixth to regain the lead. Monmouth had one final push in the seventh when Castaneda doubled home
Gabby Gesualdo with two outs. The Hawks were able to load the bases, but Place flew out to left to end the game.
Jayla Cadena got the start in the circle, working 3.2 innings and allowing five runs (four earned).
Izzy Bonacci followed in relief, striking out two over 2.2 innings but was handed the loss.
Quote
"The fight in our team this weekend was tremendous. We continue to never give up. Happy with a series win." – Head Coach
Morgan Royer
Notes & Numbers
- At 5-1, Monmouth is tied with Elon and Charleston for second place in the current CAA standings.
- Cadena is on a six-game hit streak.
-
Giana Scotti reached base for the 17
th consecutive game.
- Gesualdo scored a pair of runs, pushing her team lead total to 15.
- Gesualdo batted 5-for-10 (.500) on the weekend.
- McLain leads the Hawks with five multi-RBI outings in 2025.
- Place recorded her third double and first two RBIs of the season.
- The all-time series is tied, 9-9.
Up Next
The Hawks host in-state rival Saint Peter's on Wednesday for a doubleheader at MU Softball Park. Both games will be broadcast live on FloCollege beginning at 2 p.m.