Game 39 Final Score
Columbia (13-13) – 10
Monmouth (9-30) – 6
WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Monmouth University Softball put together one of its most complete offensive efforts of the season, collecting 10 hits and scoring in three consecutive innings, but ultimately fell 10-6 to Columbia on Wednesday afternoon at MU Softball Park.
The Hawks were powered by a trio of multi-hit performances, led by freshman
Clare Picone, who went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs.
Jayla Cadena added two hits and a two-run double, while
Sammy Miller collected two hits and swiped her team-leading ninth base of the year.
Columbia jumped out to a 5-0 lead through the first three innings, but Monmouth answered with a three-run third. Picone got the Hawks on the board with a sharp two-run double to the gap in right-center, and Castaneda followed with a two-out single to bring Monmouth within two.
In the fourth, the Hawks continued to chip away, tying the game at five when Cadena doubled in
Gianna Stern and Miller with two outs. The Lions re-took the lead after a two-run fifth, and the Hawks responded with a run of their own in the bottom half when
Giana Scotti drew a bases loaded walk. Columbia added key insurance runs in the sixth and seventh to seal the win.
Izzy Bonacci also had a strong day at the plate, reaching base four times and ripping her third double of the season.
In the circle, Monmouth used a three-pitcher combination. Bonacci got the start, while
Olivia Lewis and Cadena provided relief, with Cadena allowing just one run in her 1.2 innings of work.
Notes & Numbers
- The Hawks scored six runs and registered 10 hits. It was the most runs in the game for MU since scoring nine versus Drexel on March 16, while 10 hits were the most by the offense since March 15, also versus Drexel.
- Miller collected her seventh multi-hit game of the season, which is tied for the team lead with four other Hawks.
- Miller's nine stolen bases lead Monmouth in 2025.
- Picone collected her second career three-hit game.
- It was the third time this season Monmouth hit three or more doubles in a single game.
- Bonacci has reached base safely in 11 of her last 14 plate appearances.
- Columbia outhit Monmouth, 14-10.
- Each team committed a pair of errors in the field.
- MU left 11 runners on base to Columbia's seven.
- Columbia leads the all-time series, 13-8-1.
Up Next
The Hawks continue their CAA schedule at Stony Brook from April 11-13. Friday's game will be broadcast live on FloCollege at 3 p.m.
