RIVERDALE, N.Y. – The Manhattan Jaspers softball team (5-16), lost in its opening game at Gaelic Park against the Lions from Columbia (7-12) by a final score of 14-5 on Tuesday afternoon.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- After surrendering the game's initial run to the Lions, Kendall Penny sent a two-run shot over the center field fence to bring home Caitlin Gaetani and give Manhattan a 2-1 lead after two.
- The Lions stormed back with a 10 run frame in the third, highlighted by two three-run jacks to end the frame at 11-2 in favor of Columbia.
- Sophia Hannappel fired back in the fourth with the Green and White's second two-run home run, cutting into the deficit, now 11-4.
- Gaetani's groundout RBI was the last source of offense for Manhattan in the afternoon, ending with nine total hits.
STATS AND NOTES
- Sophomore utility player Brianna Estevez led the team in hits with two, her fourth such game in the last five outings.
- Freshman catcher Kendall Penny and infielder Sophia Hannappel collected all four Jasper RBI, with two apiece.
- Junior pitcher Karissa Spring controlled the final five innings for the Green and White, allowing three earned runs off of six hits and striking out four.
NEXT UP:
Manhattan will continue its 2026 campaign on Saturday, March 21, when they play their first home conference games against the Pioneers from Sacred Heart. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 PM from Gaelic Park, broadcasted live on the Jasper Sports Network.
Follow Manhattan Softball on X (@JaspersSoftball) and Instagram (@jasperssoftball).
