RIVERDALE, N.Y. – Manhattan closed the season, winning seven of its last nine, including the final three, but missed the MAAC Tournament for the second straight season.
The strong finish for the Jaspers started with a convincing 7-2 win at St. John's on April 26. The win started a four-game winning streak for the Jaspers. Manhattan then swept Iona on April 28 before taking game one at Marist on May 1. After a loss in game two at Marist and a setback in game one at Saint Peter's, the Jaspers rattled off three in a row to close the season with a win against Saint Peter's in game two and a sweep of Quinnipiac on May 7.
The pitching staff found its form during the stretch. In the Jaspers' seven wins, the Jaspers allowed three runs or less six times and struck out 25 batters in those six wins.
Overall, the Jaspers finished the year 13-35 overall and 8-12 in MAAC play. Eight of the Jaspers' 13 wins came at home at Gaelic Park. Manhattan closed the season winning four in a row at home.
Manhattan had a pair of student-athletes earn All-MAAC honors after the season.
Lauren Rende earned Second Team All-MAAC honors on the field. Freshman
Maddy Weir also earned Second Team All-MAAC honors and earned a spot on the All-Rookie Team.
Rende led the team in batting average (.308), slugging percentage (.505), runs scored (24), and home runs (5). Weir was inside the top five on the Jaspers in batting average, slugging percentage, runs scored, hits, RBI, home runs, and total bases.
On the milestone front, two Jaspers reached 100 career hits. Rende and
Gabriella Mazzotta reached the milestone. Rende reached it against Fairfield and Mazzotta versus Iona. Rende has 119 hits for her career that will last one more season for the senior, who will be back in 2024. Mazzotta is close behind with 107 career hits and will also be back in 2024.
Kaitlyn Flood should reach 100 career hits next season. The junior is 15 away from triple digits.
The best offensive game for the Jaspers came against the Gaels, with an 11-3 win in five innings at home. Those 11 runs came in after a season-high 12 hits.
For the latest on the Manhattan College softball program, follow the Jaspers on Twitter and Instagram @JaspersSoftball.
