FAIRFIELD, Conn. – First year infielder
Cierra Bender recorded a walk-off double to lead the Sacred Heart University softball team to a 3-2 home victory over Siena Thursday afternoon at Pioneer Park. With the win, SHU improves to 9-14 on the season and a perfect 6-0 at home.
Records:
SHU (9-14)
Siena (12-7)
Pitching:
SHU:
Genevieve Gleason – 0.2 Innings pitched | 1 hit
SHU:
Sam Kowalski – 2.1 Innings pitched | 2 strikeouts | 3 hits
SHU:
Carly Koltko – 2.0 Innings pitched | 1 earned run | 2 hits
SHU:
Emily Heath (W, 4-6) – 2.0 innings pitched | 2 strikeouts | 1 hit
Siena: Nicole Patille – 5.0 innings pitched | 2 earned runs | 5 hits | 4 strikeouts
Siena: Alissa Eimont (L, 7-3) – 1.1 innings pitched | 1 hits
Top Performers:
Cierra Bender – 3-for-3, 1 RBI, 1 double
Carly Koltko – 1-for-2, 1 RBI, 1 double
Of Note:
Sacred Heart got the game going in the bottom of the first innings, putting two on the scoreboard to take the early lead. SHU opened the frame with a walk and a hit-by-pitch to go along with one out before
Sam Kowalski tallied a single up the middle to bring the first run across.
Carly Koltko came up next and blasted a double to left center to plate the second run.
From that point, the pitchers took over the game, as neither team hung more than one run on the scoreboard in an inning for the rest of the game.
The Saints tallied a run in the third and fifth innings, sending the contest into the bottom of the seventh tied at 2-2.
In the home half of the seventh, the Pioneers took the quick advantage after the Siena pitcher allowed
Jess Brown to get to first with an error. An out followed, but Bender was ready to call game with a walk-off double to left center. The first year turned on an inside pitch and hit it just far enough that the speedy Brown was able to swing from first to home and end the contest.
The Pioneers used four pitchers in today's game, led by
Emily Heath, who earned the win after going 2.0 innings without allowing a run.
Sam Kowalski through 2.1 scoreless innings, matching Heath with two strikeouts.
Up Next:
Due to rain this weekend, the Pioneers will play a Friday and Sunday doubleheader against Northeast Conference (NEC) foe FDU. The opening game will take place on Friday, March 22, at 1 p.m. in Teaneck, N.J.
