The University of Hartford softball team lost to Endicott College by a score of 4-2 in the opening game of the Conference of New England (CNE) championship pod, according to a May 7 announcement. With this result, Hartford will play again later in the day against the loser between Roger Williams University and Johnson & Wales University.
The game started quietly with both teams unable to move runners into scoring position during the first inning. Endicott took an early lead in the second inning after a walk and an error set up a fielder’s choice RBI. In the third inning, Hartford appeared poised to respond when freshman Ariana Hernandez singled and sophomore Eryn Coyle doubled. However, a controversial call on Hernandez trying to tag up kept Hartford off the scoreboard.
Endicott extended its lead with two more runs in their half of the third before junior Adelie Beebe hit a home run for Hartford, narrowing the gap. The Hawks had another opportunity in the fifth inning after freshman Priya Bedard singled and reached third following an error by Endicott. Coyle drove in another run but subsequent outs ended their rally. Kylyn McLaren added insurance for Endicott with her own home run later that inning.
Sophomore Ella Zobel pitched five innings for Hartford, allowing four runs—three earned—and recording five strikeouts. Junior Gracie Hopkins finished out the final inning with one strikeout. For Endicott, Kristen Beebe secured the win over four innings while Analise Grady picked up a save pitching three innings.
Coyle led Hartford at bat going two-for-three with an RBI and double while Beebe contributed her seventh home run of the season as part of six total hits for Hartford; no single player from Endicott recorded multiple hits among their eight total.
Hartford is scheduled to return to action later today against either Roger Williams or Johnson & Wales as they continue CNE championship play.
