STONY BROOK, NY ? The University of Hartford softball team dropped the rubber match against Stony Brook University on Wednesday by a 2-0 final at the SBU Softball Field.

The two teams split a doubleheader earlier this season in Hartford. The Hawks (17-16 overall, 6-9 America East) managed only four hits in the game while Stony Brook (24-16-1 overall, 9-6 America East) scored twice in the third inning and finished with six hits.

Hartford had a runner at second base with two outs in the first inning when sophomore Olivia Piacentini came through with an infield single. Junior Amanda Sais tried to score on the play but was thrown out at the plate to end the frame. The Hawks wouldn't get another baserunner until the fourth but couldn't capitalize on a leadoff walk by Sais.

The Seawolves scored both of their runs in the third on a single by Kelsy Fanelli. Stony Brook then made the margin stand with solid defense, wiping out Hartford hits in the fifth and sixth innings with double plays. The Hawks threatened in the seventh and loaded the bases with two outs before SBU pitcher Alyssa Struzenberg (17-6 overall) closed out the game with her sixth strikeout to earn her fifth shutout of the season.

Hartford sophomore Brittney Stratton (13-7 overall) took the loss in the circle. She gave up two runs on six hits while striking out and walking two.

Hartford will next host the University of Maine for a three-game weekend series. The Hawks and Black Bears will play a doubleheader on Saturday, April 26 at 1 p.m.