The Sacred Heart University softball team secured a key Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference sweep against Iona on April 21 at Pioneer Park, winning the first game 5-4 and the second game 3-1.
The wins are significant for Sacred Heart as they move to fifth place in the MAAC standings and end their home season with an even record of 11-11. The victories also mark back-to-back series wins for the Pioneers in conference play.
In the opening game, pitcher Emily Heath went seven innings with five strikeouts, earning her fifth win of the season. Cierra Bender contributed three hits, two runs, and one RBI while Kaelyn Freed hit a two-run home run. After falling behind early, Sacred Heart rallied with four runs in the second inning to take control. Heath closed out a tense seventh inning by striking out two batters and securing the win.
Game two saw freshman pitcher Emily Campion allow just one earned run over seven innings while recording her second consecutive complete-game victory. Freed continued her strong performance with two hits and two RBIs. Kathryn Hotle added two hits and an RBI as well. Despite Iona tying the score late in the sixth inning, Sacred Heart responded quickly with runs from Stoops, Hotle, and Freed to retake control before closing out defensively.
Notable achievements from Tuesday include Freed hitting her second career home run—her second in three games—and Campion finishing her debut season on a high note with another complete-game win. The team now holds a record of 19-27 overall (14-10 MAAC), while Iona drops to 17-22 (12-10 MAAC).
Looking ahead, Sacred Heart will travel for a nonconference doubleheader at Central Connecticut on Saturday, April 25.
