Hofstra completed a sweep of the College of Charleston on Sunday afternoon, defeating the Cougars 6-3. With the win, Hofstra remains a perfect 9-0 in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play.
“Great sweep, College of Charleston gave us a tough game today,” said Hofstra head coach Larissa Anderson. “Unbelievable plays defensively that we were able to make. Overall, I am very happy with the sweep.”
The Pride got out to an early lead when, after three walks to load the bases, Megan Patierno delivered a two-run RBI single to right center field. Hofstra drew five walks in the first inning and forced Charleston’s starter, Izzy Berouty, out of the game after just one out.
Sophomore Summer Jenkins came in to relieve Berouty and allowed an unearned run when shortstop Kelly Sinclair couldn’t handle Michaela Transue’s roller and Courtney Scarpato came in to score. After just one inning, Hofstra had the 4-0 advantage.
College of Charleston got on the board in the top of the third when Jordin Jones cut the Pride’s lead in half with a two-run homerun off of Hofstra pitcher Sarah Cornell.
Hofstra quickly responded in the bottom of the frame with a home run of their own. Scarpato crushed a 3-1 pitch out to deep left field, extending Hofstra’s lead to three.
In the top of the fifth, Sophie Dandola came in to relieve Cornell. She worked her way out of a jam, stranding two runners on base and preserving the lead for the Pride.
“[Dandola] keeps the ball low. I know that when we need a groundball we can get that from her. She does a tremendous job, she is such a fierce competitor and it is great to see a freshman be able to come into those situations,” Anderson said.
Brittany Allocca tacked on an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth inning, adding a solo blast of her own. Allocca now has seven homeruns on the season – second best on the team.
Cornell picked up the win, improving to 14-5 on the year. She scattered three hits, two walks and one strikeout through 4.1 innings of work.
Dandola earned her fourth save of the season, allowing no runs and two hits in her 2.2 innings of work. With her scoreless effort, the freshman lowered her season earned run average to 1.10.
The Pride (24-8, 9-0 CAA) are back in action April 10 when they take on Seton Hall University.
First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Bill Edwards Stadium.
