University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Hofstra
Huskies Drop Midweek Tilt to Hofstra
3/27/2018 12:00:00 AM | Softball
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. - Sophomore Kiwi McDaniel recorded her fourth multi-hit performance of the season on Tuesday, as the UConn softball team came up short in a 5-2 decision to Hofstra at Bill Edwards Stadium in midweek action.
The Huskies' (13-20) offense attacked early and often against Hofstra's (18-7) starting pitcher Sarah Cornell, getting nine runners on base in the first three innings - but managed just a pair of runs on an RBI double by sophomore Carli Cutler.
Junior pitcher Jill Stockley (6-8) pitched a complete game for UConn, allowing five runs (three earned) on six hits with three strikeouts against the Pride. She stranded six runners on base for Hofstra in the loss.
Sophomore Devon Casazza and redshirt freshman Olivia Sappington added singles for the Huskies, while freshman Briana Marcelino recorded her first-career double in the first inning off of Cornell.
Trailing 5-2 in the seventh inning, UConn had a two-out rally against reliever Sophie Dandola after hits from Sappington and McDaniel. With the tying run at the plate, Casazza struck-out to end the game - leaving runners on first and second.
MID 2 | @carli_alayna comes through with a two-RBI hit, scoring @emmalouise_20 and @rynenakama to give #UConn a 2-1 lead! pic.twitter.com/KWaIGc9WQX
- UConn Softball (@UConnSoftball) March 27, 2018
A two-run fourth inning by the Pride, including a solo home run by Megan Patierno, put the Huskies in a 4-2 hole after once leading 2-1. Hofstra added an insurance run in the sixth with an RBI single by Kristin Hallam.
Down 1-0 after the first inning, senior Emma Stanley reached base on an error and senior Ryne Nakama drew a walk in the second frame - setting the stage for Cutler. The second-year slugger brought in both runners with a double to right field, giving UConn a 2-1 lead.
UConn loaded the bases in both the first and third innings, getting early scoring chances against Hofstra, but left all six runners on base. The Huskies were 1-for-10 at the plate with runners in scoring position.
The middle of the order for UConn went 5-for-13 (.385) at the plate on Tuesday, with at least one hit each from Marcelino, Sappington, McDaniel and Casazza. Cornell (10-4) still picked up the win for Hofstra, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits in four innings of work.
The Huskies open their home schedule on Thursday when Wichita State, the newest addition to the American Athletic Conference, visits the Burrill Family Field. The three-game series is set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
