Roadrunner Softball Coach Steve DePasquale was not surprised that his No. 4 nationally ranked Runners would be in for a battle on the road against GSAC and Region 19 rival Brookdale, No. 6 in the national rankings.

He got it.

The Runners traveled to Lincroft for the important doubleheader -- and were promptly greeted with a tough 3-2 loss in Game 1. But the terrific pitching continued and the bats woke up for the Runners in Game 2, leading to an 11-0 triumph.

The Game 1 loss snapped a five-game win streak, but freshman pitcher Danielle Procopio nonetheless turned in a solid effort, scattering 5 hits and keeping the Runners in the hunt all the way. Rylee Shappell and Coral Davidson provided key hits to tie the game at 2-2, but the Runners left the bases loaded in the fifth inning and could not cash in on a golden scoring opportunity. The Jersey Blues quickly snapped the tie, and used a solid effort from winning pitcher Jules Hart to claim the win.

"We left it out on the base paths and had a chance to win Game 1, and a good team like Brookdale will make you pay the price," said DePasquale. "I was proud how we rebounded right away in Game 2. Our bats really picked us up plus our pitching was amazing."

In Game 2, DePasquale's team scored 1 run in the first, 4 in the second and 6 in the sixth inning to put the outcome out of reach. First baseman Nayelis Sanchez cleared the bases with a three-run double, while teammate Grace Huber collected two hits and scored a rum. Freshman Emily Childs shutdown the Jersey Blues, allowing 4 hits and striking out 5.

DePasquale's club, now 6-4 overall, will return home for another tough battle when perennial power Suffolk CC (NY) pays a visit to Deptford, NJ on March 22. First pitch for Game 1 will be 12 noon.