University of Delaware Athletics
University of Delaware
Hofstra
University of Delaware Softball Falls To Hofstra, 8-2, in Final Game of CAA Weekend Series
4/20/2014 3:19:00 PM | Softball
NEWARK, Del. -- The University of Delaware softball team scored twice in the bottom of the first inning but Hofstra answered with eight consecutive runs to defeat the Blue Hens, 8-2, Sunday afternoon at the UD Softball Stadium.
The Pride, who swept the three-game weekend series, improved to 26-11 overall and 8-4 in the Colonial Athletic Association. Delaware, which honored seniors Michelle McKinnon and Brittney Noons in a pregame ceremony, dropped to 21-22 overall and 5-9 in league play.
The day got off to a promising start for the Blue Hens, who pieced together a two-out rally in the bottom of the first inning. Giovanna Kolofer worked a walk, while singles by Sarah Bencivenga and Lisa Stacevicz loaded the bases. McKinnon then ripped a groundball into leftfield, driving home Kolofer and Bencivenga to give Delaware the early lead.
However the Pride immediately responded in the top of the second when Maggie Hawkins laced a bases loaded double to rightcenter, chasing home all three runners to put Hofstra in front for good.
It was still a one-run game in the sixth, but Hawkins delivered an RBI single to center before Erin Trippi drilled a home run to leftcenter as the Pride extended its lead to 6-2. Rachel Senatore drove home another run with a groundout in the seventh, while Ashley Ainbinder closed the scoring with an RBI double to leftcenter.
Meanwhile Hofstra relief pitcher Taylor Pirone allowed just two hits in six shutout innings, improving to 12-5 on the year. Delaware starter Carolyn Szymanski went the distance for the Blue Hens and dropped to 11-11 after she gave up eight runs, five earned, on seven hits with five strikeouts.
Bencivenga finished 2 for 3 with a run scored at the plate for Delaware while Stacevicz, McKinnon and Noons each added a hit.
The Blue Hens close out their home schedule on Wednesday when Delaware hosts St. Peter's in a 3 p.m. non-conference doubleheader at the UD Softball Stadium.
