Glassboro, NJ: The Rowan University softball team split its conference opener doubleheader against Ramapo College on Saturday afternoon. The Profs won the first game, 3-1 and the Roadrunners took the second, 4-1.

In the first game, right-hander Jamie Minix (so. Clarksboro, NJ/Kingsway Reg.) pitched a complete game for the win. Minix (7-3) only gave up three hits and she struck out five batters. Righty Deanna Giordano (jr. Clifton, NJ/Clifton) took the loss. Giordano (4-3) gave up five hits and two earned runs. She totaled six strikeouts.

Center fielder Nicolina Veneziano (so. Bloomfield, NJ/Bloomfield) led Rowan with two hits (three bats), two RBIs and two runs scored. Both of her hits were home runs. Right fielder Heidi Smith (sr. Hainesport, NJ/Rancocas Valley Reg.), catcher Steph Taraschi (sr. Mt. Ephraim, NJ/Audubon) and pinch hitter Jamie Parks (sr. Brick, NJ/Brick Twp.) each contributed with a hit. Shortstop Ashley Minch (so. Pennsville, NJ/Pennsville Mem.) scored one run.

For Ramapo, right fielder Danielle Rothenberger (so. Livingston, NJ/Livingston) was one for two with one run scored. Catcher Stephanie Malgeri (jr. Montville, NJ/Montville) had one hit (three at bats) and one RBI. Shortstop Tiffany Fischer (so. Woodcliff Lake, NJ/ Pascack Hills) added one hit in three trips to the plate.

The Profs had a 1-0 advantage after Veneziano's solo homer in the bottom of the first inning. The Roadrunners tied the game in the second. Rothenberger led off with a double and came home on Malgeri's single. Rowan went up 2-1 in the fourth. Minch crossed the plate on an error that came on a sac bunt by designated player Ashley Landi (jr. Vineland, NJVineland). Veneziano record her second home run in the fifth inning.

In the nightcap, right-hander Lyndsay Buehler (jr. River Vale, NJ/Pascack Valley) got the win on the mound. Buehler (6-1) scattered seven hits and compiled nine strikeouts. Lefty Michelle Black (fr. West Deptford, NJ/West Deptford) had the loss. Black (4-3) allowed five hits and four runs, two were earned.

Left fielder Rachel Wong (jr. Livingston, NJ/Livingston) and designated player Ashley Schirripa (fr. Staten Island, NY/Fontbonne Hall Academy) each registered two hits (three at bats) and one RBI. Schirripa recorded a home run. Third baseman Lisa Orlando (fr. Bloomfield, NJ/Bloomfield) chipped in with a double and one run scored.

Veneziano collected three hits in three at bats and a home run. Smith contributed with two hits (four at bats) while third baseman Julie Leskanic (so. West Milford, NJ/West Milford) and left fielder Casey Roselle (jr. Sparta, NJ/Sparta) had one hit apiece.

Rowan's run was a solo home run by Veneziano in the top of the third inning. Ramapo took the lead with three runs in the bottom half. Orlando led off with a double to left field and scored on a single by Wong. Fischer reached base on a fielder's choice and went to second when Rothenberger was hit by a pitch. Schirripa singled to left field and Fischer was thrown out at home but there was an obstruction call on Rowan and the run counted. Rothenberger crossed the plate on an error for the third run. Schirripa record her solo homer in the sixth inning.

The Roadrunners return to action on Tuesday, April 7th when they travel to NJAC rival Montclair State University at 3:00 PM.