FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- A three-run seventh inning was the difference for visiting University of Hartford as the Hawks turned a two-run deficit into a 5-4 decision over the Fairfield University softball team at Alumni Softball Field. The offensive outburst overcame the Stags' two-run rally in the bottom of the sixth inning which broke a 2-2 tie. 

The Hawks took advantage of plays around the plate to score a pair of run in the top of the first inning. Nicolette Barranger started things off with a single and went to second base after Danielle Rocheleau drew a one-out walk. Both runners moved up on a wild pitch, the first of three errant throws that would result in runs. Barranger came home after a second wild pitch skipped past the catcher, while Rocheleau cross the plate following a passed ball. The Stags put together a pair of two-out hits from Courtney Hankins and Angelina McGuire. Drew Westford's grounder to shortstop was misplayed which loaded the bases, but pitcher Isabella Gerone induced fly out to left to keep Fairfield off the scoreboard.

Fairfield broke through in the bottom of the third inning as Sam Merino got things going by reaching first base on a fielder's choice. The freshman stole second base and came home after Hankins lined her second single of the day, chasing home Merino to cut the lead to 2-1. The Stags tied the game in the bottom of the fifth inning with Mikayla Rubin starting the frame with a single. Hankins hammered a pitch to the left-center field wall which sent her to second and Rubin home with the tying run.

Makenna DiGuilio provided Fairfield with its first lead in the bottom of the sixth inning as she reentered the game with Alisha Marshall on second base. DiGuilio ripped the ball over the left field fence to score two runs and push the home team in front 4-2. But the Stags could not hold the lead as Hartford put its first two runners on base off base hits. Barranger put down a sacrifice bunt to move the runners into scoring position, and both completed their run around the bases when Rocheleau placed a line drive just inside the right field line which tied the score at 4-4. She would score the game-winning run when Alex Saharek lofted a fly ball to center field for a sacrifice fly.

The Stags put the tying run on base when Hankins stroked a single for her third hit of the game with one out. She advanced to second base on Angelina McGuire's ground out but the final two batters could not chase her home. 

Fairfield will return to Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play this weekend when it hosts Rider University for a doubleheader on Saturday and Siena College for a twin bill on Sunday. Both games begin at noon. Sunday will also serve as Senior Day for the Stags softball team, honoring Makenna DiGuilio, Angelina McGuire, Destinee Pallotto, Kate Robinson, and Rachel Sieber.