Rivier's Sydney Greeno, shown here earlier this season, had 10 strikeouts in the nightcap of the Raiders' doubleheader sweep of Anna Maraia on Saturday.

Don’t look now, but the Rivier University softball team is having a super spring.

The Raiders are off to a 5-1 start, and their 9-4, 8-3 road sweep at Anna Maria on Saturday highlighted a busy day for Rivier teams.

Baseball opened up its season by dropping a doubleheader to Norwich, 15-1 and 9-3 at Northfield, Vt.’s Gerrity Field, while Riv women’s lacrosse fell to Colby Sawyer in its season opener at Merrill Field, 18-4.

Thus the Raider softball team carried the day. The Raiders scored five runs in the top of the seventh at Anna Maria Field in Paxton, Mass. to put the game away, Amanda Atkinson leading an eight hit attack going 2 for 4 with two RBIs. Campbell alum Alicia McKenna of Litchfield had a hit and scored three runs. One of the runs in the seventh came on a double steal, Nicole Capra stealing home for Riv.

Raider hurler Kellie Kennedy of Hudson (Alvirne) got the win, allowing four earned runs on seven hits over the seven innings, walking two and striking out five.

Sydney Greeno got the win in the nightcap, allowing three runs (two earned) on nine hits but struck out 10.

She was also the beneficiary of a 14-hit Raider attack, keyed by Kayla Miles going 3 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored. Atkinson went 3 for 5 with two runs scored and an RBI.

Kasey Smith and Capra each had two hits with two runs scored, and Katerina St. Angelo had a two run single in the Raiders’ decisive four-run sixth.

Riv next takes the diamond today, hosting Fisher College in a non-conference twinbill beginning at 11.

The Raiders are 3-1 in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference.

BASEBALL

The Raiders got their only run in the opener on Corey Cochran’s sacrifice fly, scoring Fred Kazalski in the fourth inning to make it a 4-1 game.

The Raiders were outhit 13-5 in the opener, with Salem’s Cochran, who started, taking the loss, giving up three runs on three hits over three innings.

In the nightcap, the Raiders had more of an offensive punch, outhit only 9-7, but committed four errors, seven on the day. Only five of Norwich’s runs in the second game were earned, with starter Ryan Schaefer taking the loss. On the day the Raiders gave up a combined 11 unearned runs.

Kazalski went 2 for 4 in the second game, while Conor Dines went 2 for 3 to pace the Raiders. Riv is scheduled to host Norwich today at Holman Stadium for a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. (seven innings each).

No spectators will be permitted due to the GNAC’s COVID protocols.

WOMEN’S LACROSSE

It was a tough opener for the Raiders, who trailed 12-0 at the half and never recovered.

Riv was led by Breana Abilheria-Cargill’s two goals and an assist.

Nicole Mansfield had a goal and an assist while Talia Saliany added a goal.

The Raiders visit Emmanuel in Boston on Wednesday night at 7.

RIV MEN’S LACROSSE PPD

The Raiders men’s lax game slated for yesterday at Anna Maria, plus this Wednesday’s scheduled home game vs. Norwich, have both been postponed.

Riv (2-2) is slated to next take the field next Saturday at St. Joseph’s of Maine.

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