CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Rider's six runs over the first three innings proved to be enough in an 8-5 final over Leopard softball on Saturday evening in the Mizuno Invitational.
 
Rider broke out for four runs in the top of the first inning off Leopard starter Morrigan Gardiner. Kendall Reda-Fehsal plated the first two scores on a single.
 
The Broncs added single runs in the second and third innings. Maddie Luedtke connected for a solo home run in the bottom of the third inning as Rider led 6-0.
 
The Leopards put up three runs in the fourth inning. Freshman Katie Harrington drew a lead-off walk and later scored on an error. Senior Paige Sandidge doubled home Grace Hausaman and Kylee Sweet as Lafayette cut the deficit to 6-3.  
 
Lafayette made it a one-run game in the fifth inning. Olivia Catalina plated Mary Grace O'Neill, who had reached on an infield single, with a sac fly. The Leopards pulled within 6-5 after scoring a second run on an error.
 
Rider put away the game with two more runs in the sixth as Reda-Fehsal single home a run and another scored on a sac fly.
 
Rider reliever Jessie Niegocki collected the circle win, tossing 3.2 innings while allowing two runs on four hits with seven strikeouts. Gardiner took the loss, allowing five earned runs on seven hits in two innings. Senior Jacqueline Cal, who gave up two runs on four hits, pitched the final four innings.  
 
Day three of the Mizuno Invitational pits Lafayette against Campbell at 11:30 and host North Carolina at 2 p.m.