LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. – The Fairfield University softball team dropped a doubleheader against Rider University as the two programs opened their Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference slate. The Broncs picked up a 1-0 win in eight innings for the opener and responded with an 8-0 decision in the nightcap over five innings.

The Stags had several opportunities in the opening game especially in the latter innings but could not manage a run-scoring hit to break the scoreless tie. Fairfield put runners on base in each of the odd numbered innings, advancing a runner to scoring position in three of those innings.

The team nearly broke the 0-0 score in the seventh inning when Mikayla Rubin laced a one-out double to give her teammates ample opportunities to bring her home. But the Stags managed just a walk before the inning ended with the score intact.

Fairfield also had a chance in its first at-bat, a rally which started when Charli Warren drew a one-out walk. She moved up to second base when Kaitlin Hoffman scratched out an infield single to the right side of the infield. But Broncs pitching retired the next two innings to end the threat.

Pitcher Katie Kudlacik kept Rider off balance for most of the game, starting the game by sending the first eight batters back to the dugout. The streak ended with a walk in the third inning before Kudlacik ended the frame with a strikeout. She allowed just one hit in the opening five innings and just three through seven innings.

Rider brought home the deciding run in the eighth inning after a lead off single, a wild pitch, and ground out brought the runner to third base. An infield single to the right side sent home the winning run.

In the second game, Fairfield did not pick up a hit over the five-inning shortened game. The Stags managed four base runners off three walks and a Rider error. Charli Warren drew two of those walks and added a stolen base to pace the Stags' offense. Haley Updegraff registered the other walk while Lauryn Rhinehart reached on a misplayed grounder to third base in the fourth inning.

Rider scored runs in each of its four at-bats during the game, beginning with three runs in the bottom of the first inning. The Broncs added two runs in the bottom of the second before adding a run in the third and two more runs in the fourth inning.

Fairfield will continue its MAAC opening weekend when its continues its New Jersey road trip with a doubleheader against Monmouth University on Sunday. The Stags and Hawks will begin their twin bill at 12 pm.