The TCNJ softball team completed its Spring Break trip with two wins against Maine Presque Isle and SUNY Poly on March 20 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Lions opened the day with a decisive 14-0 victory over the Owls and followed up with a close 3-2 extra-inning win against the Wildcats.
These victories mark an important milestone for the team as junior pitcher Maya Knasiak recorded her 300th career strikeout during the first game. The achievement highlights Knasiak’s growing impact on the program and her national ranking in strikeouts.
In the opener, TCNJ quickly took control by scoring four runs in the first inning, with contributions from freshmen Morgan Leonhauser, Emily Gill, and Emily Evans. Knasiak struck out two batters in her opening frame, reaching her milestone early. She continued to dominate throughout the game, finishing with a complete-game shutout that included 12 strikeouts and three RBIs at the plate. Olivia Santos also contributed offensively by going three-for-three.
The second game was more competitive, featuring a pitching duel between TCNJ’s Sairah Llano and SUNY Poly’s Annabella Mondello. After taking an early lead, TCNJ saw SUNY Poly tie the game in the sixth inning due to an error. In extra innings, singles from Leonhauser, Grace Brouillard, and Gill brought home two runs for TCNJ. Dani Biggio secured her first collegiate save by retiring two batters to end the game.
Llano delivered a standout performance with a career-high ten strikeouts over more than seven innings pitched without allowing an earned run. Gill provided what proved to be the game-winning RBI.
TCNJ is scheduled to return home for a doubleheader against Drew on Wednesday, March 25.
