The Hofstra University (29-27) softball team saw their season end at the hands of the University of California Golden Bears (35-20-1) 7-0 on Saturday. May 20, 2023 in the second game of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Norman, Okla regionals. Despite collecting seven hits in the contest, the Pride were shut out. In two games vs. both the University of Oklahoma and California, the Pride were unable to score a single run, and see their season end.
Unlike the Hofstra offense, the California offense shined, sending four home runs over the wall. Elon Butler, Kacey Zobak, Acacia Anders and Makena Smith each collected a solo home run. Anders led the Golden Bears with three RBI’s while Zobac wasn’t far behind with two of her own. Smith and Butler each had one apiece on their solo home runs.
Haylei Archer started the game for the Golden Bears, tossing five innings, striking out four, walking only one and allowing no runs. Archer was relieved to start the sixth inning by Ashanti McDade, who pitched the final two innings of the game for the Golden Bears. McDade struck out two, allowed one walk while conceding no runs. The California Golden Bears move on to another do or die game for them against the University of Missouri.
For the Pride, they were completely silenced on offense. Despite collecting seven hits, including two from Aliya Catanzarita and Alanna Morse, as well as one hit from Chelsea Manto, Angelina Ioppolo and Becca Vaillancourt, the Pride were held off the scoreboard. The Pride left nine runners on base and failed to cash in when they had their opportunities.
Julia Apsel started the game for the Pride and struggled. Apsel threw 2.2 innings, struck out no one and allowed four runs on four hits on only 32 pitches. Anna Butler relieved Apsel midway through the third and tossed the final 4.1 innings. Butler struck out four, walked two and allowed three runs on four hits.
With the loss, the Pride see their season end, and will now look ahead to the 2023-24 season.
Photo courtesy of Mark Doescher
