LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. -- A seventh-inning rally by Rider University prevented the Fairfield University softball team from taking the third game in a weekend series as the Broncs scored a 4-3 win over the Stags in walk-off fashion. 

Fairfield scored the first run of the game without pushing the ball beyond the infield, starting the rally with a walk by Delaney Whieldon. The sophomore advanced to second base after Anna Paravati placed a bunt to the left side of the infield, and took third base when Megan Forbes grounded out to second base. Danica Silvestri sent Whieldon home when she beat out a grounder to shortstop for an infield hit.

The lead was short lived as Rider put together its own scoring chance in the third inning. Each of the first three Bronc batters reached base via a base hit, loading the bases with no outs. The Stags looked as though they might escape without damage when pitcher Allie Bridgman induced a forced out at home and fanned the next hitter to put two outs on the scoreboard. Laneya Wright broke up those hopes when she sliced a single down the left field line to drive in a pair of runs.

Fairfield tied the game in the top of the fifth when Bridgman laced a single to left field that scored Charli Warren to make the score 2-2. Warren reached base following an infield error and advanced to second base on a fielder's choice before scoring the tying run. The Stags followed up in the sixth inning with another run that pushed them back into the lead. Silvestri was responsible bringing the runner across home plate when she sent a fly ball to left field, chasing home Forbes to bring the score to 3-2.

Rider put together the winning run in its half of the seventh inning despite the Stags being able to retire the first two batters of the frame. But the home team found its way beginning with Maddie Luedtke's double to right-center field followed by Kristyn Gardner earning a walk. With two runners on base, Kiersten Buchanan drove a triple to right field that brought home the tying and winning runs.

Fairfield will return to the diamond next Tuesday when it hosts Quinnipiac University for a doubleheader beginning at 2 pm. The twin bill is the first two contests in a three-game series which concludes on Wednesday with a single game. The three-game series with the Bobcats starts an eight-game home stand that finishes up the regular season.