WEST HARTFORD, CT - The University of Hartford softball team split a conference doubleheader against the University of Maine on Saturday afternoon at the UH Softball Field, winning the first game 1-0 before dropping a 2-1 decision in eight innings in the nightcap.
Sophomore Brittney Stratton tossed a three-hit shutout to lead Hartford (18-17 overall, 7-10 America East) to victory in the opener. Maine (10-36 overall, 9-8 America East) bounced back in the second game and scored the winning run in the eighth on a solo homer by Alexis Souhlaris.
The Hawks scored the only run of the first game in the bottom of the fourth, cashing in on a leadoff single through the left side by sophomore Ann Kyzer. She advanced to second on an infield groundout and scored on a single to center by freshman Lauren Kamena.
The Black Bears never had a runner advance past second base but put runners in scoring position in the second, fifth and seventh innings. In the second, Kristen Calvetti and Kirsten Allen combined to occupy first and second with one out, but Stratton struck out the final two batters of the frame to end the threat.
In the seventh, the Black Bears had three runners reach base but couldn't plate the tying run. They threatened with runners at first and second with two outs, but Stratton forced Souhlaris to hit a grounder just inside of the third base bag, and junior Jackie Simonetty ended the inning with a force out.
In the second game, the Hawks put a run on the board in the bottom of the first to take a quick 1-0 lead. Junior Amanda Sais kickstarted the offense with a one-out triple over the left fielder's head. She then scored on squeeze bunt by Simonetty.
The Black Bears threatened to tie in the top of the second inning. Terren Hall led off with a double to right center and advanced to third on a sacrifice from Calvetti. She then attempted to score on a sacrifice fly to right field but was gunned down at the plate by Sais.
Maine tied the game in the third inning, making Hartford pay on a leadoff walk to Kali Burnham. She advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt and scored on a single to left from Erin Iandoli. The Black Bears failed to capitalize with the bases loaded with two out, as Stratton, who also pitched the entire second game, forced Hall into a fielder's choice to get out of the jam.
With the game tied 1-1 after seven innings, Souhlaris homered over the left field fence to lead off the eighth. The Hawks rallied in the home half to put runners on first and second with one out, but the Black Bears picked off the lead runner for the second out and got and infield groundout to end the game.
Jenna Balent pitched both games for Maine, allowing two runs on 13 hits with eight strikeouts and a walk. Stratton pitched all 15 innings for the Hawks, allowing two runs on nine hits with nine strikeouts and five walks.
Prior to the doubleheader, the Hawks honored senior Alex Morley. Morley is a four-year member of the Hawks who has played in 99 games with 96 career starts. She also excels in the classroom, where she is a two-time NFCA Scholar Athlete and a three-time honoree on the America East Academic Honor Roll.
Hartford and Maine will close out the three-game series with a single game on Sunday, April 27 at noon at the UH Softball Field.
