Cougars Face Tough Tests: Lax Splits, Softball Edged, Baseball Falls in Busy Spring Slate

Nicholas Mistretta

MHS ’79 Cougar Sports Correspondent

MONTGOMERY — Montgomery High School’s spring teams experienced a mix of close contests and challenging matchups, highlighted by a boys lacrosse victory, a narrow softball loss, and the girls lacrosse team’s first defeat of the season.

Softball Drops Tight Contest to Rutgers Prep

Montgomery softball fell 4-3 to Rutgers Prep in a closely contested game that remained within reach until the final inning.

After trailing 2-0 early, the Cougars responded with a run in the fourth and two more in the fifth to take a brief lead. Rutgers Prep, however, answered with two runs in the seventh to secure the win.

Ryane Riddell led Montgomery at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a stolen base. Grace Gandolfo added a triple and drove in a run, while Matilda Suh contributed a hit. Allison McKnight and Maggie McGlynn each scored a run and recorded hits to support the offense.

In the circle, Matilda Suh pitched 6.1 innings, allowing four runs (two earned) on eight hits while issuing no walks.

Montgomery finished with six hits but was hampered by four fielding errors, while Rutgers Prep capitalized on timely hitting, led by Sophia Soares’ three RBIs.

Baseball Shut Out by Phillipsburg

The Montgomery baseball team was held scoreless in an 11-0 loss to Phillipsburg, as the Cougars struggled to generate offense against a strong pitching performance.

Alex Bender led Montgomery with two hits, while Ian Quinn and Spencer Harris each added a hit.

On the mound, Liam McDonnell took the loss, allowing four runs over 4.1 innings. Henry Maddox and Kenta Komatsu also saw action in relief.

Phillipsburg pulled away with a seven-run surge over the final three innings, capitalizing on opportunities created by walks, hits, and defensive miscues.

Girls Lacrosse Suffers First Loss

Montgomery girls lacrosse, previously unbeaten, dropped its first game of the season with an 8-6 loss to Pingry, moving to 8-1.

Elliana Pizzulli paced the Cougars with four goals, continuing her strong offensive season. Kennedy Dexter and Sophia Soron each added a goal, while Lexi Lopez contributed two assists and Carson Benedict recorded an assist.

Pingry used a four-goal third quarter to seize control of the game, overcoming Montgomery’s early lead and maintaining the advantage down the stretch.

Boys Lacrosse Earns Home Victory

Montgomery boys lacrosse improved to .500 with an 8-7 win over Old Bridge in a tightly contested matchup.

Will Schwartz led the Cougars with four goals and an assist, while Zach Mutton added three goals and an assist. Patrick Petrozzini contributed a goal and an assist, and Colin Long orchestrated the offense with five assists.

Montgomery built an early lead before Old Bridge surged ahead in the third quarter. The Cougars responded with a strong fourth-quarter effort, scoring four goals to reclaim the lead and secure the victory.

Photo Credit: Nick Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomry.com