On Thursday, April 28, the Hofstra softball team suffered a 4-2 road loss to Stony Brook University. Hofstra could not get the bats going as they picked up their 24th loss of the season and have now lost three games in a row.
Stony Brook jumped ahead first as they took a commanding 3-0 lead to start the game. This spark was highlighted by a two-run double from the right fielder Alyssa Costello. Hofstra remained hitless through the first three innings as Stony Brook starter Shelbi Denman pitched a complete game, racking up 13 strikeouts with just two earned runs and two walks.
The Pride gained some momentum as they started off the top of the fourth with two singles, leading to first and second with only one out. A third single later in the inning gave Hofstra its first run, cutting the deficit to 3-1. Hofstra got busy as in the top of the fifth as a triple from Chelsea Manto set them up with runners on first and third with only one out. She later came in to score, making the score 3-2.
The Pride once again had runners in scoring position with only one out in the top of the sixth but failed to bring anyone around to score. Stony Brook added an insurance run for Denman as three straight singles loaded the bases for the Seawolves. A base hit from Sofia Chambers moved everyone up one base, making the score 4-2 with the bases still loaded. Nikki Mullin escaped further damage in the circle by getting Brooke Dye to ground into a much needed double play for Hofstra. Denman slammed the door shut on the Pride in the seventh inning by striking out the side to end the game.
Hofstra’s next matchup will come on Saturday, April 30, with a doubleheader at Bill Edwards Stadium against Drexel University. The Pride and Dragons will play three games with Sunday being Hofstra’s Senior Day. A single win for the Pride in the series will punch their ticket into the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament.
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics