William Paterson wrapped up its spring break trip at the Rebel Spring Games with three victories in nine contests, moving to 5-6 on the season.

The Pioneers opened their win column against McDaniel College with a patient, opportunistic approach at the plate. Sophomore Kelsey Geurts drew a bases-loaded walk to bring home leadoff hitter Brandi Shortway for the game’s first run. Moments later, Shortway delivered the big swing, lacing a triple to right field to score sophomore Stephenie Ciravalo and extend the lead to 2-0. A passed ball allowed Shortway to cross the plate, pushing the advantage to 3-0.

William Paterson continued to apply pressure in the middle innings. Ciravalo ripped a two-run double to right-center field to make it 5-1, and Shortway added a sacrifice fly to cap a five-run surge. Stockton transfer Molly Cocco contributed in the sixth inning with an RBI single through the left side, plating freshman Mackenzie Crowe.

After dropping three straight games to Augsburg University, Springfield College and Farmingdale State College, the Pioneers responded with a strong showing against Plattsburgh State.

Trailing 1-0 in the first inning, senior shortstop Hailey Backo tied the game with a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Shortway. That swing ignited a six-run inning for William Paterson. Sophomore Aubrey Miller delivered an RBI single to score freshman Gianna Capone, while a defensive miscue by Plattsburgh State allowed another run to cross. Senior catcher Gabby Vazquez followed with a run-scoring double, and Shortway added an RBI single as the Pioneers seized a commanding 6-1 lead.

William Paterson extended the margin to 8-1 and held off a late rally by the Cardinals to secure an 8-4 victory.

In the circle, Crowe worked three innings, allowing one earned run while striking out three. Miller earned the win in relief, tossing four innings and recording six strikeouts.

The Pioneers endured another three-game skid against Franklin and Marshall College, Wisconsin–La Crosse and SUNY Geneseo before closing the trip on a high note against New York University.

Shortway once again set the tone, tripling down the right-field line before showcasing her aggressiveness on the bases by stealing home for a 1-0 lead. Senior Lilah Guthy followed with an RBI single to center, scoring Miller, and junior Sam Campos broke the game open with a two-run single to left. Campos continued her standout performance with another RBI hit to deep left-center and later stole home, highlighting an explosive offensive effort.

New York University trimmed the deficit with three runs in the fourth inning, but William Paterson responded. Miller delivered a key RBI single to score Shortway, sealing a 7-3 victory.

Shortway led the Pioneers offensively during the trip, recording 11 hits, six RBIs, two triples and three stolen bases. Backo also collected 11 hits, adding a home run and five RBIs. Miller contributed across the board with 11 hits, four RBIs and 25 2/3 innings pitched, striking out 17 while allowing 14 earned runs.

William Paterson returns to action Tuesday, March 24, hosting John Jay College in a doubleheader at Pioneer Softball Field. The Pioneers will look to climb above the .500 mark.