Yale defeated New Haven 8-1 in a non-conference softball game on Apr. 15, taking an early lead and maintaining control throughout the matchup. The Bulldogs improved their record to 13-25, while the Chargers fell to 7-29.
The significance of this win lies in Yale’s offensive momentum and effective pitching, which set the tone for the rest of their season as they prepare for upcoming Ivy League games.
In the first inning, Yale scored five runs. Elena Ohe hit a two-RBI single to right field with bases loaded and one out. An error allowed Grace Westmoreland to score and moved Ohe into scoring position. Kaitlyn Oikle followed with an RBI single, and a double steal brought in another run for a commanding start.
Yale continued its pressure in subsequent innings. In the second inning, they added another run on a single to center field. Oikle contributed again in the fourth inning by driving in her second run of the game with a single to left field. In the fifth inning, Westmoreland singled home Jane Littleton from second base.
Pitcher Ellie Joseph delivered four shutout innings with six strikeouts before Westmoreland closed out the final three innings, allowing just one hit and one run while striking out two batters. Offensively, Ohe went 2-for-2 with three RBI and a stolen base; Libby Peoples recorded her career’s 24th double—tying her for eighth all-time at Yale—and scored three runs; Westmoreland had three hits; Oikle finished with two hits and two RBI; Mariah Niday registered her first collegiate hit.
Looking ahead, Yale will host Princeton this weekend for a three-game Ivy League series.
