Despite Home Run, Panthers Fall to Watchung Hills

Jordan Stephenson’s fourth-inning home run was all the softball team could manage Tuesday, as the Panthers lost for the fourth time in its past seven games with a 5-1 loss to Watchung Hills.

IN SHORT

Sophomore shortstop Jordan Stephenson hit a long home run to lead off the fourth inning Tuesday, but the Panthers managed just four other hits and fell to Watchung Hills 5-1 in a key Skyland Conference Delaware Division game. The setback, which is Bridgewater's fourth in seven games since starting the season 6-0, drops the Panthers into fifth place in the division.

PANTHER OF THE GAME

Jordan Stephenson—The sophomore shortstop continued her assault on the outfield fence, blasting one up and out to center field to start the fourth inning. Stephenson, who singled in the first inning, finished 2-for-3 Tuesday.

OTHER KEY PERFORMANCES

Alicia Gonnella (Bridgewater-Raritan)—The right-hander entered the game in relief of starter Megan Collins in the fifth inning, and did not allow a hit over the final two-and-two-thirds innings Tuesday.

Nicole Braun (Bridgewater-Raritan)—The Panthers' designated hitter singled with two outs in the third inning, one of only five hits collected by Bridgewater on Tuesday. 

Nikki Thomas (Bridgewater-Raritan)—The right fielder singled in the fifth inning to give the Panthers runners on first and second with none out, before both runners advanced on a wild pitch. But Bridgewater was unable to cash in.

 THEY SAID IT

“They flat out beat us. They’re a solid team. You can tell, they’re very well coached. [Warriors pitcher Abby Cline] really kept us off balance. We couldn’t adjust to that drop ball she has. The pitcher did a good job and this is a good team. No excuses.’’—Bridgewater-Raritan coach Sandy Baranowski on Watchung Hills

UP NEXT—Hunterdon Central at 3:45 p.m. Thursday at North Bridge Street Park