Yard’s One-Hitter Lifts Cougars

By Ryan Gaydos
@KUTowerSports

Down to its final game, the Kean University softball team desperately needed a win against William Paterson Saturday to stay alive in the New Jersey Athletic Conference tournament. Sophomore pitcher Courtney Yard was up to the challenge.

Yard threw a one-hitter and only allowed one run as the Cougars defeated the Pioneers at Rowan University 5-1. Adding to her day, Yard struck out six batters, did not allow an earned run and walked just two en route to the victory.

Kean struck first in the third inning when Sandra Binkiewicz doubled down the right field line to score Meghan Cegielski and Kelsey Hannan. Then, Yard helped her own cause singling home Binkiewicz. Those three runs were more than enough to help keep the Cougars ahead.

Kean added insurance runs in the sixth when Jill Martin singled home Kelly Moorehead. Next, Hannan singled to score Courtney Melchionna.

The Cougars live to fight another day as they move on to the next round in the NJAC tournament.

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