ALBANY, N.Y. – The University of New Haven softball team dropped a nail biter in its final game of a three-game NE10 divisional set against the Saint Rose Golden Knights 2-1 in extra innings. Overall, New Haven scattered six hits on the day with all six coming from different players, including a pair of doubles from sophomore Catherine Vaughan (Commack, N.Y./Hauppauge) and junior Taylor Luzzi (Fishkill, N.Y./John Jay). Vaughan also recorded the only RBI of the afternoon for the Blue and Gold.
Vaughan's RBI double came in the second inning as she provided an early 1-0 advantage for sophomore pitcher Kylie Stonebraker (Mechanicsville, Va./Lee-Davis High School) who suffered the loss in the circle. Stonebraker closed out the complete game outing surrendering just four hits over seven and two-thirds innings of work. She also struck out seven batters, closing out the weekend series with 17 strikeouts in just under 13 innings of work.
The Chargers got on the board first in the final game of the series, plating a single run in the top of the second inning, all with two outs. Erin Stever (Parish, N.Y./Altmar Parish Williamstown) began the mini rally when she worked a walk to become the second Charger to reach base. Vaughan followed that walk with the second hit of the afternoon for the Blue and Gold, lacing her second double of the season which allowed Vaughan to score from first. On the flipside in the bottom half of the inning, Stonebraker responded by striking out the Golden Knights in order to protect the early 1-0 lead.
Saint Rose knotted the game at one in the bottom of the fourth inning with Stonebraker surrendering her first run in eight-plus innings against the Golden Knights, while also giving up just her second hit of the series. Brianna Bowen picked up the RBI for the home team, plating Dana Nicoletti on an RBI single.
After thwarting an effort by Saint Rose in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Chargers threatened to take the lead in the top of the eighth thanks to a leadoff double from Luzzi. After being sacrificed to third, Luzzi would end the inning stranded at that base following a groundout and strikeout. The Golden Knights however were able to score in their half of the eighth, once again with Bowen coming to the rescue with her second RBI of the afternoon thanks to a two-out single that drove in the pinch runner Samantha LaBarbera.
UP NEXT
The Chargers return to the diamond in just 48 hours when they travel to Pleasantville, N.Y. for a rescheduled NE10 divisional doubleheader with the Pace Setters. First pitch from Pace Softball Field is slated for 3:00 p.m.
