The Sacred Heart University softball team will play a crucial three-game series against Quinnipiac starting May 1, as the Pioneers seek to secure a spot in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championship.
With only six teams advancing to the MAAC Championship, Sacred Heart is currently tied for sixth place with Rider but trails due to a tiebreaker. Winning this weekend’s series would allow the Pioneers to move ahead of Quinnipiac in the standings and improve their chances of making the playoffs.
First-year pitcher Emily Campion has been performing well for Sacred Heart, winning three consecutive games and posting an impressive 0.72 earned run average over her last four starts. “Over her last four starts, Campion owns an outstanding 0.72 ERA with a 3-1 record,” according to the team. Senior Nicole Henke also contributed recently by hitting two home runs in a doubleheader against Central Connecticut State University, bringing her career total to 19.
Quinnipiac enters the series with a 20-17 overall record and stands just ahead of Sacred Heart in conference play at 15-10. The Bobcats have shown strength on offense this season, leading the league in batting average and ranking second in runs scored per game. However, their pitching staff has struggled, ranking ninth in earned run average among conference teams.
This matchup marks the 62nd meeting between Sacred Heart and Quinnipiac; last year, Quinnipiac won two out of three games when they played at Pioneer Park. The outcome of this weekend’s series will determine whether Sacred Heart advances to compete in the MAAC Championship beginning May 6 at Marist.
