FAIRFIELD, Conn. – A late rally foiled the Fairfield University softball team's attempt for another non-conference win as Hofstra University posted four runs in the top of the seventh inning for a 5-3 win over the Stags.
All four runs in the final frame came after two outs were recorded by starting pitcher
Alyssa Weinberg. The senior nearly escaped the inning after Lily Yepez tripled to right center field. Weinberg induced the next hitter into a come backer to the pitching circle which resulted in the second out. Dahlia Palacio tied the game with a double off the center field wall to make the score 2-2.
An error followed which allowed the Pride to score three unearned runs and take command of the game at 5-2.
Peyton Shields was called out of the bullpen to record the final out, which she did with a fly ball to left field.
The Stags were not done and challenged the visiting team with its own come back try, beginning with
Sarah Bielski gaining first base after being hit by a pitch. After a couple of fly ball outs,
Ava Armuth brought the Stags back to life with a double to left center field that chased Bielski home with the team's third run. The rally ended with a pop up to short and sent the Stags to the 5-2 defeat.
Fairfield led for most of the game, taking the lead in the bottom of the second inning.
Sammie Dougherty started things for the Stags by drawing a one-out walk. The freshman advanced two bases on
Danica Silvestri's base hit, the first of two for the outfielder on the day.
Cara Kochakian brought the run home with a bunt that brought Dougherty home and put runners on first and second base.
The Stags doubled their advantage in the bottom of the fourth, getting some help from Hofstra. Silvestri was in the mix again with her leadoff single and moved on to third base when Kochakian's sacrifice bunt was thrown away, placing runners on second and third. Bielski brought the run home with a fly ball to right field, making the score 2-0.
Hofstra, who did not have a hit through the first four innings, finally figured a way to get on base against Weinberg. After a walk and double, Yepez stroked a single that brought home the Pride's first run.
The Stags will return to Alumni Softball Diamond on Wednesday when they host Central Connecticut State University for a single game. First pitch is 3 pm. The game is the second in Fairfield's five-game home stand which continues with a three-game set against Siena University over the weekend.
