The Sacred Heart University softball team began the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championship with a 7-5 comeback victory over No. 5 Quinnipiac on May 7 in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
The game marked an important milestone for Sacred Heart, as it was their first appearance in the MAAC Championship since joining the league last season. The team improved its record to 23-29 while Quinnipiac fell to 21-20.
After falling behind early, Sacred Heart tied the game at two runs apiece in the third inning with a two-run home run by Elle Leckrone. The Pioneers then took a brief lead before Quinnipiac rallied to go ahead 5-3 in the sixth inning. However, Sacred Heart responded with four runs in the bottom of the sixth, highlighted by key hits from Alexa Barbera, Nicole Henke, and Cierra Bender. Bender’s double brought home Leckrone and Savannah Moore for what proved to be the winning runs.
Emily Heath pitched six innings for Sacred Heart, allowing five earned runs and striking out one batter to earn her seventh win of the season. Emily Campion recorded her first collegiate save by closing out a tense seventh inning that ended with Ella Stoops turning a double play.
Other notable performances included Leckrone going four-for-four at bat with three RBIs and two doubles, while Stoops added an RBI single during Sacred Heart’s rally. The victory also marked Sacred Heart’s third consecutive win over Quinnipiac.
Looking ahead, Sacred Heart will face No. 1 Marist later today as they continue their pursuit of a conference title.
