Rutgers Softball Shines at Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic
Cathedral City, Calif. - The Rutgers Scarlet Knights softball team wrapped up their time at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic with a commanding 10-3 victory over UC San Diego on Saturday night, bringing their season record to 7-7. This win was marked by standout performances from juniors Sam Rohwer and Makenna Coleman, who both launched their first home runs as Scarlet Knights, and a solid pitching effort from Brooke Shifflett, who tallied six strikeouts.
Exhibition Against Team Japan
Before facing UC San Diego, Rutgers took on Team Japan in an exhibition match. The Scarlet Knights went up against some of the best in the world, including Misaki Katsumata, Sakura Miwa, and Miu Goto. Despite the challenging competition, Rutgers saw contributions from Baileigh Burtis, Bailey Briggs, Riley Hwang, and Rachel Milan, who all managed to get hits.
In this exhibition, Rohwer and Coleman each smashed three-run homers during a seven-run surge in the fifth inning. Senior Mia Mitchell also contributed with two RBIs through a double and a sacrifice fly. Additional RBIs came from sophomores Baileigh Burtis and Riley Hwang, while Addie Osborne and freshman Rachel Milan each added a run.
On the mound, Brooke Shifflett was impressive, striking out six batters over six innings, just shy of her career-high. She allowed only two earned runs on four hits, demonstrating effective control throughout.
Game Rundown
Rutgers started strong, taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Jayla Fuller got on base after being hit by a pitch and was driven home by a single from Baileigh Burtis. The Scarlet Knights extended their lead to 2-0 in the fourth when Riley Hwang brought Addie Osborne home with a single.
UC San Diego responded in the fifth, tying the game 2-2 after a series of hits, including a double by Womack and singles from Hermosillo and Kunkle.
However, Rutgers erupted in the bottom of the fifth with a seven-run rally. Mia Mitchell initiated the scoring with an RBI double, followed by Sam Rohwer’s three-run homer. Makenna Coleman capped off the inning with a two-run blast, pushing the lead to 9-2.
The Titans managed to add a run in the sixth after a defensive error, but Rutgers answered back in the bottom of the inning. Rachel Milan doubled, advanced on a wild pitch, and scored on Mitchell’s sac fly, sealing the game at 10-3.
Next, the Scarlet Knights head to Tallahassee, Florida, for the Unconquered Invitational, where they will face host No. 6 Florida State and FGCU. This upcoming challenge will be a true test of their growing momentum.