MIDDLESEX COLLEGE SOFTBALL OPENS 2026 SEASON WITH SWEEP OF MONROE

Middlesex College softball opened the 2026 campaign in style, sweeping a home doubleheader against visiting Monroe College (Bronx).

The Colts won Game 1, 11-4 and then took the nightcap 9-4 in a five inning game that was shortened due to darkness. The wins marked the first two victories in new Middlesex College Head Coach Roger Nepton's career.

In Game 1, Middlesex scored single runs in the first and second innings and carried a 2-0 lead into the fourth. However, Monroe got to Colts starter Kylie Rackett for two runs in the top of the frame to tie the game.

Middlesex answered right back though and scored three runs in the bottom of the fourth to take a 5-2 lead. Monroe crept back with two more in the top of the fifth, but once again Middlesex scored three runs in the bottom of the inning.

The Colts scored three runs for the third straight inning in the bottom of the sixth to put the game away.

Rackett picked up the win in her collegiate debut, striking out 9 batters in the complete game victory.

Middlesex fell behind early in Game 2 as Monroe carried a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the third. However, the Colts offense erupted for eight runs in the bottom of the inning to take a commanding 9-2 lead. Monroe scored two in the top of the fifth to inch closer, but the Colts closed the frame without further damage. The game was called due to darkness with Middlesex up 9-4.

Middlesex had just 4 hits, but took advantage of 5 Monroe walks and 2 errors. Gianna Rios and Lauren Goldfarb drove in two runs each for the Colts and Keianna Thomas went 1-2 with 2 runs and a walk.

Sara McLaughlin also picked up her first collegiate win with a two-hit complete game.

Middlesex returns to action on Saturday when they host RCSJ-Gloucester in a home doubleheader starting at 12:00.