NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — New Haven Softball team faced a challenging weekend against Central Connecticut State University, encountering losses in three games with scores of 2-0, 11-3, and 10-5 at CCSU Softball Field.

In the first matchup, New Haven's pitching staff was commendable, allowing only five hits over six innings. However, Central Connecticut State took an early lead in the second inning when Grace Lawton doubled down the left field line, followed by a single from Stella Gasper that drove in Lawton for the game's first run. Central Connecticut State led 1-0 after two innings. They further extended their lead in the sixth inning with Ashlyn Desaulniers' single through the right side, followed by another double from Grace Lawton, bringing Reagan Vunak home. Despite the Chargers' efforts to respond, they fell 2-0. 

Katie Rhodes (Ballston Spa, N.Y./Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) pitched a complete game, working six innings with two earned runs on five hits, striking out three batters, and bringing her record to 1-6 for the season. Bri Pellicone (Sandy Hook, Conn./Newtown) and Bella Chenet (Plantation, Fla./Archbishop McCarthy) each contributed a hit, while Jess Petit secured another hit to support the team at the plate.

In the second game, New Haven initially took a 3-0 lead in the second inning, with Jess Petit and Brianna Trueman's (Trout Run, Pa./Montoursville Area) singles setting up Lucia Ceccarelli's (Griswold, Conn./Griswold) RBI single and Bella Chenet's (Plantation, Fla./Archbishop McCarthy) two-run single. However, Central Connecticut State answered back with a five-run fourth inning, capitalizing on errors and timely hits to shift the game to 5-3. They continued their offensive onslaught in the fifth, scoring six additional runs, culminating in an 11-3 victory. 

Peyton Sullivan (Savona, N.Y./Corning-Painted Post) pitched four innings, allowing six runs (two earned), while striking out four batters. Skylar Griffin (Berlin, Md./Stephen Decatur) entered in relief but struggled, allowing five runs in two-thirds of an inning. Jess Petit and Brianna Trueman (Trout Run, Pa./Montoursville Area) each had two hits, while Bella Chenet (Plantation, Fla./Archbishop McCarthy) contributed two RBIs.

The series concluded with a third game where New Haven started strong, with Emily Ricci's (Ringwood, N.J./Lakeland Regional) single and Jess Petit's two-run homer giving them an early 2-0 lead. However, Central Connecticut State quickly responded, scoring four runs in their half of the first inning, highlighted by Grace Lawton's three-run homer. New Haven managed to stay competitive, scoring additional runs but ultimately fell 10-5. 

Katie Rhodes (Ballston Spa, N.Y./Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) took the loss again, pitching three innings and allowing four earned runs. Cecelia Imbimbo (Burlington, Mass./Burlington) relieved her, allowing six earned runs in her three innings. Jess Petit stood out with three RBIs and a home run, while Emily Ricci (Ringwood, N.J./Lakeland Regional) added two hits and an RBI.

Up next, New Haven will travel to face the University of Rhode Island on Tuesday, April 14, at 2 p.m. in Kingston, Rhode Island.