The Hofstra University softball team was shut out in their season opener against the No. 23 Baylor University in a 7-0 ballgame on Friday, Feb. 14.
The Pride opened their season with a trip down south to Waco, Texas, to compete in the Getterman Classic, facing two ranked programs, Baylor and No. 3 Oklahoma University.
Baylor’s pitching was on point, as freshman Sadie Ross earned her first career win as a Bear. Ross pitched five scoreless innings and only allowed two hits. Coming out of the bullpen was Lexie Warncke, who retired every batter she faced.
Amber Toven proved to be a pest at the plate, recording three RBIs on the night. Toven also proved to be a strong defender, as she flashed her leather at shortstop, making tough plays to help her pitching staff. Presleigh Pilon had a night, going 2-3 with two RBIs.
Chelsea Villar and Victoria Frobosilo were the only members of the Pride to record hits on this night.
In the circle for the Pride was Emma Falen, who Hofstra picked up in the transfer portal. Falen previously played for the University of California, Riverside and pitched a 3.18 ERA in 19 appearances.
Falen’s Hofstra debut opened with a strikeout, however, the Bears got hot on a two-out rally, driving in three runs. Falen eased in and got more comfortable on the mound throughout the game, allowing only four more runs across the next five innings.
Falen displayed grit on the mound, tossing 119 total pitches and earning six strikeouts.
The Pride came into this season losing their go-to pitcher, Julia Apsel, who transferred to Florida State University this past offseason. Apsel threw 201.2 innings to a 1.39 ERA last season. The Pride only returned two pitchers who tossed innings last season.
Falen being able to eat up innings is paramount to the Pride’s pitching staff, as some pitchers are coming off injury.
Hofstra opened the game with a single off the bat of Villar. Dahlia Palacio followed with patience at the plate and drew a walk. However, the Pride were unable to score, despite getting the first two baserunners on.
Eight Baylor batters saw Falen in the first inning. Pilon opened up the scoring with an RBI single, followed by Toven who pipped a single to center field for two RBIs.
In the second inning, freshman Frobosilo earned her first career hit in her debut and was one of two members of the Pride to earn a hit. After Froboslio’s single, the Pride’s bats got cold.
The Bears continued to pound the ball, adding to their lead in the third with another RBI off the bat of Toven.
Baylor added an additional three runs off a tired Falen in the sixth inning. The Bears had faced Falen three times and knew what to expect, as they tacked on three hits, including a triple from Ashlyn Wachtendorf.
The Pride continued their opening weekend at the Getterman Classic, facing off against Oklahoma and Baylor on Saturday, Feb. 15.
