Box Score (Game One)
Box Score (Game Two)
WEST HAVEN, Conn. - Behind a strong pitching performance from junior Micah Stonesifer, the University of New Haven split a doubleheader with Stonehill College on Friday afternoon at the UNH Softball Field. The Chargers dropped a heartbreaker, 4-3, in game one, but bounced back with a 3-2 triumph in the nightcap.
With the split, UNH improved to 19-12 on the season and 9-7 in the Northeast-10 Conference. The Skyhawks moved to 11-13, 7-7 in league competition.
Game One
The Chargers scored in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 1-0 lead in the opener. Stonehill took the lead in the top of the third inning off three hits and one UNH error. New Haven would answer in the bottom of the third as Christina Gelardi hit a one out single that drove in Chelsea Harold from third base.
Both teams were held scoreless until the final inning. The Skyhawks scored two runs off three hits to take a 4-2 lead in the top of the seventh. Harold then reached base with two outs off an error in the bottom of the seventh. After Harold stole second, Brandy Dianno reached base on an error by the first baseman. She then advanced to second and Harold scored and unearned run to bring the score within one. Gelardi then grounded out as the Chargers suffered a loss in the opener.
Gelardi when 2-for-3 with one RBI and one run scored, while Harold went 1-for-4 with two runs scored. Junior Alana Wesche pitched the complete game for UNH and allowed two earned runs, while fanning four.
Game Two
The second game of the doubleheader featured another quick start in the first inning from the hosting Chargers. Harold lined a single through the left side of the infield and came around to score the game's first run on an RBI single from Gelardi.
New Haven got the bats going again in the next frame, tacking two more runs onto its advantage. With two outs in the inning, Shannon Angehr and Lucy Francisco rallied off back-to-back hits, leaving runners on second and third with Harold coming to the plate. Harold laced a two-run single through the left side of the infield, granting the Chargers a 3-0 lead.
The Skyhawks rallied in the bottom of the seventh, scoring two runs off three hits to cut the lead to one. Stonesifer struck out the final two batters with a runner on third base for Stonehill.
Stonesifer was stellar, as she scattered eight hits over seven innings for her team-leading ninth win of the campaign. She allowed just two runs (one earned) and struck out a season-high 10 of the 31 batters she faced.
New Haven will return to action on Saturday, April 16 when they host Bentley University in a doubleheader. The opening pitch is set for 12 p.m. at UNH Softball Field. For live statistics, log on to www.NewHavenChargers.com.
