The Hofstra Pride softball team dropped its series finale on the road against James Madison University at Veterans Memorial Park on Sunday, April 10, losing in nail-biting fashion by a score of 3-2. Hofstra fell to 13-19 overall on the season and 6-2 in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play, while James Madison improved to 16-18 overall and 5-4 in CAA competition.
Both teams were retired quickly in the first inning with neither team landing on base. The Pride got on the board first with a run in the second inning off a double down the left field line by Aliya Catanzarita, driving home Angelina Ioppolo for a 1-0 advantage. James Madison looked to answer in the bottom of the inning, but was unsuccessful, leaving the door open for Hofstra to extend its early lead.
On the first at-bat in the third inning, Devyn Losco drilled a home run to center field, giving Hofstra a 2-0 lead. The Pride left one runner on base after a single up the middle by Meghan Giordano. The Pride continued to stay strong on defense and retired James Madison in quick succession.
It was a different story in the fourth inning, with James Madison finally getting on the board with a two-run homer by Hallie Hall, tying the game up at two runs apiece. The Dukes continued to build momentum with a single down the third-base line from Emily Phillips. After two walks, the bases were loaded with James Madison in prime position to take the lead. Pitcher Julia Apsel held off another run by striking out Abbie Campbell to end the inning neck-and-neck.
Hofstra and James Madison struggled in the fifth and sixth inning, with each team only able to get one batter on base. With the game still tied, it all came down to the final inning once again, similarly to the doubleheader the night before. The Pride took the plate first looking to end a scoring drought. After two quick outs, Chelsea Manto walked on looking to extend Hofstra’s stay at the plate. A groundout ended the top of the inning with James Madison now having a golden opportunity to send the Pride home with a loss.
Lauren Bernett came on to pinch hit and did not disappoint. Bernett pulled off a dramatic walk-off home run to center field on the first at-bat, giving James Madison the dramatic victory.
Apsel tossed a complete game, striking out one batter and allowing five hits in the defeat. Five different batters recorded a hit for the Pride.
Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics
