WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – Freshman Gracie Hopkins was stellar in the circle, hurling an one-hitter as the University of Hartford softball team posted the 9-0 victory over the University of Saint Joseph Tuesday at the USJ Softball Field.

Hopkins handcuffed the Blue Jays in complete game fashion, allowing just a second-inning double. It was the only run to reach scoring position for USJ. She walked one and had a strikeout.
Hartford scored all nine of their runs over the first two innings. The Hawks sent 11 batters to the plate in the first inning, six of them reached via a walk. When the dust settled in the initial frame, Hartford was up 5-0.

Hartford was back at it again in the second as the inning began with an error and graduate Mara Sczecienski tripled home a run. Sophomore Mikayla Gordon picked up an RBI double in the inning.

Sczecienski finished the game 2-for-3 with a triple, two runs scored, and two RBI, while Gordon was 2-for-3 with a run scored, a double, and an RBI.

INSIDE THE BOX & NOTES

• Freshman Bridget Bernard picked up her career hit and RBI with a two-run single in the first inning.
• Hopkins lowered her ERA to 1.69. Other than allowing four runs in her start against Salve Regina, she has allowed one earned run in her other 17.2 innings of action.
• Sczecienski has recorded a hit in nine of the last 10 games, and has seven multi-hit games this season.
• Freshman Hailey Pruett recorded her first career RBI.

WHAT'S NEXT
Hartford (10-5-1) returns to the diamond Noon Saturday, traveling to Roger Williams.