The Hofstra Pride softball team dropped its final game at THE Spring Games this weekend, falling to the Stetson University Hatters, 4-0 on Sunday, Feb. 20.
In the first inning, Hofstra failed to start off the game strong, making it a short stint at the plate after a pop-up to first base. As for the Hatters, they quickly got on the board following an RBI from Danielle Diaz. The run came off the back of multiple errors from the Hofstra defense.
Devyn Losco got things going for Hofstra in the top of the third with a bunt. Kasey Collins also hit a single toward second base, allowing Losco to advance to third. The Pride could not capitalize though, as Sam Ward struck out swinging on a pitch from Stetson’s Lauren Klein. After two quick outs, Juls Schumacher doubled down the left field line to keep the Hatters at bat. After two singles to center field, pinch runner Madison Jump and Diaz scored to give Stetson a 3-0 lead.
The Pride failed to capitalize again in the fourth after another strike out with two players, Madison McKevitt and Meghan Giordano, left on base. Both teams were scoreless in the fourth and fifth, with Stetson still leading by three heading into the sixth inning.
Lizzie Shubert tripled to center field for Stetson. The next at bat struck out looking, but a reach on a passed ball helped Shubert run home for a score, extending the lead to 4-0. Brianna Morse looked to lead Hofstra with a late-game comeback in the final inning after a single. The Pride continued to struggle, however, striking out twice with an out to second base sealing the 4-0 victory for Stetson.
Hofstra posted six hits on the day with Giordano going 2-for-3 at the plate. Chelsea Manto, Collins, Losco and Morse tallied one hit. Haley Venturini pitched all six innings for the Pride, striking out seven batters and walking two in the defeat.
The Pride will continue their stay in Florida when they take part in the Unconquered Invitational. Hofstra kicks off play with a doubleheader on Friday, Feb. 25, taking on Indiana University and Florida State University.
Photo courtesy of Rachel Vogel/Hofstra Athletics
