Kean Softball Sweep Drew University in Team’s Doubleheader Home Opener

By Hector Morales | Published March 23, 2022

Kean University’s Softball Team swept the doubleheader against the Drew University Rangers in the team’s home opener. The final score was 5-3 for the first game and 4-1 in the second game. 

Kean softball player Annabella Marino | Credit: Larry Levanti

In the first game of the doubleheader, the Cougars were trailing 3-1 in the third inning until a home run by Sophomore infielder Eliza Filus and a go-ahead 3-run home run by Sophomore outfielder Gianna Pickens gave the Cougars the lead 5-3. Junior pitcher Annabella Marino came in relief in the third inning and pitched five scoreless innings to close game one. 

“It was awesome to come out and come from behind in the first game, we hit the ball really well and it was a fantastic win.” Head Coach Margie Acker said. 

In the second game of the doubleheader, Marino started the game for the Cougars. She threw seven innings throwing a complete game, only giving up one run and four strikeouts. 

“It felt good,” Marino said. “It was good to have the ball and I just had to hit my spots.”

Senior catcher Jenn Majorczak had three hits in three at-bats and Pickens, Filus, fifth-year Infielder Gabriella Fredette and Senior Unity player Paige Metz all had one RBI. 

Kean softball player Gianna Pickens | Credit: Larry Levanti

“Everyone did great,” Marino said. “They got hits together to score some runs and it was good to have that behind the circle.”

The Bordentown native has collected her two wins and lowered her ERA to 2.61. She now has a 6-2 record in the nine games she played this season. 

Pickens collected five RBIs and three hits in the two games breaking her 4-game hitless streak. 

“Gianna needed it,” Acker said. “She has been struggling and we stay with her. We knew that she could get the job done and today she proved that.”

The Cougars will be on the road and face off against the Dale University Bulldogs in a doubleheader on Wednesday, March 23. 

“Overall I think I can speak for the entire team when I say that it felt good to be back on the Cougar softball field, and it felt even better to come out with two team victories.” Pickens said.

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