The University of Hartford softball team keeps rolling through the season as the Hawks claimed their third straight conference win, taking a pair of games from Gordon on Saturday at the Hartford Softball Field.
GAME ONE: HARTFORD 9, NICHOLS 0 (6 INN.)
Hartford set the tone early by opening the scoring in the first inning. Junior Azya Walker reached first base on a throwing error by the pitcher, capitalizing on a sacrifice bunt to advance, while freshman Alexis Sealey scored on the error. Graduate student Mara Sczecienski doubled, adding an RBI as Walker crossed home plate for Hartford's second run.
In the sixth inning, the Hawks surged with seven runs. Freshman Bridget Bernard's double and sophomore Taylor Fitch's fielder's choice added runs, benefiting from errors. Pinch hitter junior Shailynn Williams delivered a three-run homer. Sczecienski's single notched two more RBI, bringing home Walker and freshman Arielle Dupree.
Sczecinenski, junior Olivia Wolk, and Sealey scored twice, spearheading the Hawks' offense. Sczecinenski and Williams also contributed three RBI apiece.
Sophomore Carly Mayhood (11-2) showcased her dominance on the mound, allowing just two hits while recording her fourth shutout of the season, backed by six strikeouts.
GAME TWO: HARTFORD 10, NICHOLS 0 (5 INN.)
Sealey (8-2) cruised to victory, allowing just one hit and striking out five over five innings, keeping the opponent scoreless.
Walker kicked off the game with a double, driving in Sealey for an RBI. Sczecienski added another RBI to help Walker score Hartford'ssecond run.
In the third inning, two more runs were tallied. Freshman Adelie Beebe contributed with a two-RBI single, scoring Wolk and A. Sealey.
The Hawks ignited an 8-0 hitting streak in the fourth inning, unleashing a flurry of offense. Sealey led the charge with a double, driving in freshman Sydney Matz. Wolk's subsequent single-plated Walker and Sealey were used for two RBI. Beebe then punctuated the rally with an inside-the-park home run, clearing the bases by scoring Sczecienski, Wolk, and herself, ultimately sealing the victory in the fifth inning.
INSIDE THE BOX & NOTES:
- Beebe achieved a career-high of five RBIs in game two against Gordon.
- Sealey has notched at least one hit in every game this season.
- Sczecienski set a new Hartford record for RBIs in a single season, totaling 38.
- Hartford has kept their opponents scoreless in seven games this season.
WHAT'SNEXT
Hartford (24-7-1) will return to game play as they travel up the road to Hartford, CT. to Trinity College, for a nine-inning game May 1st 4:00 p.m.
