FAIRFIELD, Conn. — The Sacred Heart University softball team brought an end to its 2023 season on Sunday afternoon with a hard-fought 2-1 setback to the LIU at Pioneer Park. 

Team Records
Sacred Heart (18-29, 9-12 NEC)
LIU (28-23, 14-7 NEC)

LIU 2, SHU 1
Pitchers:
Liv Vadas (SHU) - (4.0 innings pitched, 1 earned run, 1 strikeout)
Sam Kowalski (SHU) - (L, 3.0 innings pitched, 1 earned run, 1 strikeout, 9-12 record)
Lindsey Cowans (LIU) - (7.0 innings pitched, 1 run, 8 strikeouts, 13-9 record) 

Top Performers:
Emily Carroll (SHU) – 3-4
Rachael Kohler (SHU) – 1-2, 1 RBI

Of Note:
Following a scoreless opening inning, LIU took the first lead of the day in the top of the second. With one out, Kristen Blanchard smacked a double to deep left field, scoring in the next at-bat to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage. 

Blanchard's run stood as the only score given up by Liv Vadas in her start this afternoon. The hometown senior from Fairfield allowed the one run on four hits over 4.0 innings with a strikeout. 

Sam Kowalski entered in relief and threw the final 3.0 innings with one run allowed. The first year capped her rookie season by allowing just three hits with one strikeout. 

On the other side of the ball, Rachael Kohler tied the game for the Pioneers at 1-1 with an RBI single to right in the bottom of the fourth. Alyssa Gonzalez kicked off the frame with a walk before getting to third on an error by the opposing second baseman on a SHU sacrifice bunt. 

Unfortunately for the Pioneers, a close play at home sealed their fate this afternoon. With runners on first and second and two outs, Sam Garcia hit a ball that deflected off Kowalski's leg for a base hit. Maya Avila took the opportunity to fly around third base and score from second on a very close call at home plate to clinch a 2-1 road victory for LIU. 

Before today's contest, Sacred Heart recognized all graduate students and seniors from both programs. SHU honored fifth-years Gonzalez, Samantha Kostek, and Amy Petrovich, who made her whopping 200th career start this afternoon. Seniors Vadas, Meghan Knepper, Madeline Scarola, Carlie Williams, and graduate student Myah Eldred were also recognized for their contributions to the team.