FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Sacred Heart University softball team dropped the finale of its series against Central Connecticut State on Wednesday at Pioneer Park, falling by a 4-1 final score. 

With the loss, SHU falls to 14-7 in the Northeast Conference (NEC) standings, which still ranks second. The Pioneers need one win, or a Le Moyne loss, to clinch a spot in the NEC Tournament. 

Team Records:
Sacred Heart (23-25,14-7 NEC)
CCSU (24-14, 11-10 NEC)  

CCSU 4, SHU 1
Pitchers:
Sam Kowalski (SHU) – (L, 6.1 innings pitched, 4 earned runs, 5 strikeouts, 13-11 record)
Emily Heath (SHU) – (0.2 innings pitched, 0 earned runs)
Kaylee Whittaker (CCSU) – (W, 7.0 innings pitched, 1 earned runs, 6 strikeouts, 12-7 record)

Top Performers:
Allie Ortiz (SHU) – 1-1, 1 RBI
Charlene Davis (SHU) – 1-2

Of Note:
With the Blue Devils up 2-0 through 4.5 innings, the Pioneers broke onto the scoreboard in the home half of the fifth. Sam Kowalski tallied SHU's first hit of the game to lead off the frame before an error put a second Pioneer on. Allie Ortiz brought in Sacred Heart's first run on a single through the right side, her second RBI of the season. 

Unfortunately for the Pioneers, the fifth marked the end of their run production. On the other hand, CCSU added two runs in the seventh to secure a 4-1 road win. 

Sacred Heart used both Kowalski and Emily Heath in the circle this afternoon. Kowalski started and threw 6.1 innings, striking out six. Heath tossed the final 0.2 innings. 

Up Next:
The Pioneers welcome Le Moyne on Saturday, April 27, for a doubleheader at 1 p.m. at Pioneer Park. SHU will celebrate its Senior Day against the Dolphins.