STRATFORD, Conn. -- Rider University, the number three seed, won the 2003 MAAC Softball Title and earned the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament by defeating second-seeded Saint Peter's College, 1-0, in the championship game this afternoon at DeLuca Field.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Broncs scored the lone run of the title game as third baseman Jill Carrabus knocked an RBI single to center field, to bring shortstop Maddy Boulden across the plate and earn the win.
Saint Peter's reached the championship game earlier this afternoon with a 3-2 victory in eight innings over #1 Fairfield University. The Stags scored the first two runs in the top of the third, as Ellen Sarosy scored on a error and Brie Zimmerman crossed the plate on Tara Hansen's RBI single. The Peahens tied it at 2-2 in the bottom of the sixth, with Jen Cordero reaching home on an RBI single from Marsha Kelley and Teresa Wilson scoring on unearned run off an error. Saint Peter's would take the game in the eighth inning, as Aimee Barsalona singled through the left side to bring in Wilson.
Rider received the automatic bid to the 2003 NCAA Division I Softball Tournament, which will be begin with regional play May 15 at campus locations. The selections to the tournament will be made on Sunday, May 11.
2003 MAAC Softball All-Tournament Team
Infield: Kristin Kenavan, Rider
Infield: Brandy Weed, Rider
Infield: Aimee Barsalona, Saint Peter's
Infield: Marsha Kelley, Saint Peter'
Infield: Candace Winder, Saint Peter's
Outfield: Ellen Sarosy, Fairfield
Outfield: Kiera Fax, Rider
Outfield: Carrie Getz, Siena
Designated Player: Jamie Farley, Rider
Utility: Adrian St. Cin, Siena
Pitcher: Mellissa Santos, Fairfield
Pitcher: Heather Beintema, Rider
Most Valuable Player: Heather Beintema, Rider