LAKEWOOD, N.J. (5/14/22) – The chances were plentiful, but the results were stubborn for Franklin Pierce softball in their final game of the 2022 season, as the Ravens fell to host #2 Georgian Court University 9-1 on the final day of the NCAA East Regional Pod 2 competition.

Softball's historic season concludes with a program record 30 wins, finishing 30-12 record with the loss. Georgian Court advances to the East Region Pod 2 Championship game, where they will face #3 Wilmington University later Saturday afternoon. They move to a 40-14 overall record following the win. 

The Ravens came close to opening the scoring in the bottom of the fourth inning, as sophomore Haley Bigwood (Athol, Mass.) nearly plated three runs on a deep drive to left field which was stolen right at the warning track. 

After a defensive start to the game, Georgian Court ended up striking the first blow in the top of the fifth inning with two outs. With a runner at second, sophomore center fielder Kiara Meikle found the pitch she wanted and sent a ground into center field for an RBI single. Keeping the pace of their defensive game, the Lions would overcome a Ravens response in the bottom half, forcing them to leave two runners stranded.

In the top of the sixth, Georgian Court would explode for eight more runs to bump their lead to 9-0. Starting with runners at first and second, sophomore Alyssa Herrera delivered an RBI single to left field. After an intentional walk, and the bases loaded, the Lions plated another pair of runs with a single to right center, extending the lead to 4-0. Through the remainder of the half-inning, Alyssa Rue and Kiara Meikle would each plate a run, and Jadalynn Rodriguez chalking up two RBI with a scoring double.  

Trailing 9-0 in the bottom half, The Ravens were determined to show that they would not go down without a fight. In the first at bat, sophomore Ashley Cangiano (North Attleboro, Mass.) struck gold with a solo home run to left center field, breaking the Lions shutout bid. Freshman Bella Williams (Phoenix, Ariz.) and Ana Erikson (Temecula, Calif.) would each include base hits before the end of the inning, with Georgian Court shutting it down at 9-1.

Sabrina Gonzalez (Chandler, Ariz.) took the loss for Pierce after allowing five runs (four earned) off five hits, as well as two walks with two punch-outs through five innings pitched. Senior Abbey Primavera (Spring Hill, Fla.) entered in relief duty, tossing one inning with four runs allowed on four hits.

Gonzalez wraps up her sophomore season with a 14-5 record, combined 2.03 ERA and a team leading 77 strikeouts. Primavera concludes her collegiate career as a senior this season with a conference leading six saves while finishing the year 12-5 overall with a 2.67 ERA.