Game 1: AIC 5, New Haven 3

In a close contest, AIC edged out New Haven 5-3 in the first game. The Chargers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning, with Brianna Trueman (Trout Run, Pa., Montoursville Area) RBI double to right center scoring Bella Chenet (Plantation, Fla., Archbishop McCarthy), followed by a single from Peyton Sullivan (Savona, N.Y., Corning-Painted Post)that plated Trueman. However, AIC answered with three runs in the bottom of the first inning, taking the lead 3-2 on a two-RBI single by Sammy Sanchez and an RBI single by Brooklyn Cividanes.

New Haven battled back in the third inning with a solo home run by Emily Ricci (Ringwood, N.J., Lakeland Regional) to tie the game at 3-3, but AIC regained the lead in the fifth with a two-run homer from Cividanes. The Chargers couldn't get the offense going in the final two innings, and despite a valiant effort, they were unable to complete the comeback.

Skylar Griffin (Berlin, Md., Stephen Decatur) (2-6) started for New Haven, striking out three and allowing five earned runs on 11 hits over six innings, but the offense couldn't capitalize on the scoring opportunities. Julia Krijgsman (2-0) earned the win for AIC, with Trinity LaValley picking up the save.

Game 2: New Haven 9, AIC 1

New Haven bounced back in dominant fashion in the second game, crushing AIC 9-1. The Chargers were relentless from the start, putting up two runs in the first inning. Trueman's groundout brought in Chenet, and Ricci's double brought in Olivia Roberto (Merrick, N.Y., Calhoun), giving New Haven an early 2-0 lead.

The offense exploded in the second inning with a six-run barrage. Trueman and Ricci each drove in two runs, while Sullivan delivered the knockout blow with a towering three-run homer that gave New Haven an 8-0 lead. AIC managed to scratch across one run in the third with a solo homer from Destiny McGrath, but it was too little, too late.

New Haven wasn't done yet, though. Chenet's sacrifice fly in the fifth inning capped the scoring at 9-1, and the Chargers cruised to an easy victory.

Katie Rhodes (Ballston Spa, N.Y., Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) (3-1) was outstanding in the circle for New Haven, going the full five innings, allowing just four hits and one earned run, and striking out two. Trinity LaValley (2-3) struggled for AIC, allowing five earned runs in just 1.1 innings.

Summary:

• Game 1: AIC 5, New Haven 3

  • Key Players: Emily Ricci (Ringwood, N.J./Lakeland Regional) (New Haven) – Solo HR; Brianna Trueman (Trout Run, Pa./Montoursville Area) (New Haven) – 1 RBI.

• Game 2: New Haven 9, AIC 1

  • Key Players: Brianna Trueman (Trout Run, Pa./Montoursville Area) (New Haven) – 3 RBIs; Peyton Sullivan (Savona, N.Y./Corning-Painted Post) (New Haven) – 3-run HR; Katie Rhodes (Ballston Spa, N.Y./Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) (New Haven) – 5 IP, 1 ER.

New Haven bounced back in the second game with a dominant performance, and the Chargers are now 1-1 in NE10 conference play, proving their offensive power and strong pitching staff.