NEW YORK, N.Y. – A pair of first-inning runs did not hold up in today's softball game between Fairfield University and Columbia University. A sixth-inning rally by the Lions erased a first-inning lead for the Stags as the Columbia came away with a 4-2 win on Wednesday afternoon.
Fairfield opened the game with the first three batters reaching base, beginning with a lead off from Charlie Warren.
Kaitlin Hoffman continued the rally with a single to left field which was followed by
Delaney Whieldon's base hit through the left side of the infield. With the bases loaded and no outs,
Megan Forbes and
Allie Bridgman brought home a run each by lofting a sacrifice fly that put Fairfield ahead 2-0 before Columbia returned to the dugout.
The Lions also worked a little magic in their half of the inning, reaching starter
Alyssa Weinberg for a run in the bottom of the first inning. Sophomore Cami Neal provided the offense with a solo home run to left field that brought the score to 2-1 after one inning.
The game remained at 2-1 until Columbia rallied in the bottom of the sixth, setting up the frame with three straight singles. Pitcher
Samantha Lindsay nearly worked out of the situation by inducing a pop up for the first out followed by a fly out to right field. The next hitter worked out a walk that brought home the tying run which was followed by a two-run single to put the Lions in front for the first time at 4-2.
Fairfield loaded the bases in the top of the seventh inning courtesy of an infield single by Hoffman, a base hit to right field by Forbes, and a walk by
Quinn McGonigle. The three runners were stranded when the game ended on a ground ball to second base.
Hoffman, Whieldon, and Forbes each had a pair of hits today to account for six of the team's eight base hits. The Stags also stole three bases on the afternoon with Forbes, Bridgman, and
Martina Gutierrez each picking up a base during the game.
In addition to today's game, the Fairfield University softball team announced changes to schedule for the rest of the week. Because of a forecast of inclement weather in upstate New York this weekend, the Stags will now play Niagara University on Friday, April 14 rather Sunday, April 16. Fairfield's doubleheader with Canisius College on Saturday, April 15 will remain as scheduled. The Stags home game with Central Connecticut State University on Thursday, April 13 has been postponed.
