Softball Splits Pair of Games at Capital Classic

Central Connecticut (2-6) split a pair of games at the Capital Classic hosted by Delaware State. The Blue Devils defeated the host Hornets, 3-2, in their first game. They lost, 8-0, in six innings against Drexel in their second game. Junior Jaclyn Logan had a two-run triple in the opener, while sophomore Elizabeth Montemurro struck out five in a complete game effort. Four players singled in the second game. Sophomore Erica Koehler had a single in each game.

CCSU fell behind 1-0 in the bottom of the first against Delaware State. Back-to-back doubles for the Hornets plated the early run. The Blue Devils did not collect their first hit until the third. Senior Jenna Earley had a bunt single, but Central Connecticut would not get to Delaware State starter Brittney Ruark, a junior, again until the fifth.

Koehler led off the fifth inning with a single. She was retired on a fielder's choice before Earley singled to shortstop. A passed ball moved the runners up, and sophomore Kendall Sours, who had reached on the fielder's choice, came in on another fielder's choice. Logan then put the Blue Devils up 3-1 with a triple.

Two doubles in the sixth inning to cut the margin to 3-2, but Montemurro worked a line out and strikeout to strand a runner on third. She posted a 1-2-3 inning in the seventh to seal the win.

Montemurro scattered eight hits in the win. She is now 2-2 on the season. Senior Megan Lambertz and freshman Tawny Reeger each had two hits in the loss. Ruark pitched 4.2 innings, allowing three runs on four hits in her first loss of the year. She is now 5-1. DSU fell to 8-5 with the loss.

The second game was scoreless until the bottom of the third. A two-run homer by Drexel junior Ashley Botelho started the scoring. The Dragons added one run in the fourth, two in the fifth, and closed out the six-inning win with three in the sixth. Central Connecticut had its best chance in the second inning. Koehler and Sours each singled with two outs, but they were left on first and second.

Senior Rachel Brenneman allowed five runs, four earned, on eight hits in five innings of work. She struck out four before being relieved in the sixth by freshman Abby Harpp. Harpp gave up the final three runs, all of which were unearned.

Sophomores Erin Kelley and Katherine Knowles had the other two hits for the Blue Devils. Botelho led Drexel with a 3-for-4 day at the plate. She had a double in addition to the home run and drove in three runs. Junior Katrina Gaudier allowed four hits and struck out three to move to 4-1 on the season. Drexel improved to 8-5.

Central Connecticut will face St. Francis (PA) tomorrow at 9 a.m. The first and third place games will take place later in the afternoon.