STONY BROOK, NY ? The University of Hartford softball team came away with a split at Stony Brook University on Wednesday afternoon, dropping the first game 9-0 in five innings before bouncing back for a 1-0 victory in the second game.

Hartford's record moved to 14-15 overall and 5-3 in the America East. Stony Brook's record moved to 18-10 overall and 6-2 in the conference.

Hartford's lone run of the day game came in the third inning of the second game on an RBI single by senior Kristie Rochette. Freshman pitcher Brittney Stratton (8-6 overall) made the margin stand, throwing two-hit ball over seven scoreless innings for her fourth shutouts of the season. She also struck out seven batters without issuing a walk and didn't allow a runner past first base.

Stony Brook's Alyssa Struzenberg was just as effective in the circle, striking out 11 Hawks while yielding only three hits. However, she also gave up six walks, including two in the frame where Hartford scored the game-winning run.

In the first game, Hartford managed five hits but couldn't put a run on the scoreboard. The Seawolves got all they would need in the second inning on a three-run homer by Sara Cerrone off freshman Gina Massaro. Massaro (6-8 overall) gave up nine runs?though only three were earned?on eight hits over four innings while striking out two.

Hartford will next play a three-game series at the University of Maine. The Hawks and Black Bears will start the series with a doubleheader on Saturday, April 14 at noon.