KISSIMEE, FL - The University of Hartford softball team came away with a split on the first day of play at the Rebel Spring Games on Sunday morning.

The Hawks (2-6 overall) began the day with a 4-0 victory over Lafayette before suffering an 8-0 setback in five innings against Butler.

Freshman Brittney Stratton picked up the win against Lafayette, the first of her collegiate career. She threw all seven innings and yielded only four hits while striking out five and walking three.

The Hawks would give Stratton all the offense she would need in the second inning. Freshman Rachel Clonick put the first run on the board with a one-out single that was misplayed by the left fielder. The error allowed Clonick to round the bases and gave Hartford a 1-0 lead. Sophomore Kristen Cericola would later drive in a pair of runs with a single of her own, scoring junior Alex Morley and sophomore Jackie Simonetty for a 3-0 advantage.

Hartford tacked on another run in the third on a sacrifice fly by Simonetty. Senior Kristie Rochette scored on the play after leading off the frame with a double and then moving to third on an error.

In the second game, Butler pitcher Jennifer Chasteen held the Hawks to just two hits over five innings. Freshman Gina Massaro took the loss for Hartford and gave up eight runs (four earned) on eight hits while striking out two and walking four.

Hartford continues play at the Rebel Games on Monday, March 12 against Dayton and Columbia.