KINGSTON, R.I. — New Haven Softball faced a challenging doubleheader against the University of Rhode Island at the URI Softball Complex, falling 4-3 in the first game and 3-0 in the second.

In the first game, New Haven (7-27) managed seven hits but left seven runners on base. Rhode Island (12-21) capitalized on three doubles to secure the win. The Chargers took an early lead when Bri Pellicone (Sandy Hook, Conn./Newtown) doubled to center field and later scored on a fielding error after a single by Kylie Thorpe (Taunton, Mass./Taunton). Rhode Island responded to tie the score at 1-1.

New Haven regained the lead in the third inning when Pellicone reached on a throwing error, advanced to second, and scored as Jess Petit reached on another error, making it 2-1. However, Rhode Island took control in the fourth inning with two runs, making it 3-2, and extended their lead with another run in the fifth, bringing the score to 4-2. In the sixth inning, Marzia Johnson (Branford, Conn./Branford), pinch hitting for Allison Murai (Sammamish, WA/Skyline High School), delivered an RBI single that brought home Elyse Genaway (Brookfield, Mass./Tantasqua Regional), narrowing the gap to 4-3. Despite a strong effort, the Chargers could not score in the seventh inning, concluding the game with a final score of Rhode Island 4, New Haven 3.

Cecelia Imbimbo (Burlington, Mass./Burlington) pitched a complete game against Rhode Island, working 6 innings and allowing 4 earned runs on 8 hits. She struck out 2 batters and issued 2 walks in her 91-pitch effort, with 61 pitches being strikes. Despite her complete game, Imbimbo was charged with the loss, bringing her season record to 4-8. Bri Pellicone (Sandy Hook, Conn./Newtown) led New Haven with two runs scored, contributing two hits and a double. Marzia Johnson (Branford, Conn./Branford) made an impact as a pinch hitter, recording one hit and driving in a run. Bella Chenet (Plantation, Fla./Archbishop McCarthy) added a hit and a walk, maintaining her presence on base.

In the second game, the Chargers struggled offensively, managing only one hit and leaving four runners on base, while Rhode Island capitalized on its five hits and three walks to secure a 3-0 victory. Rhode Island took an early lead in the first inning when Rayah Snyder singled to left field, driving in two runs. A throwing error allowed runners to advance and score, giving Rhode Island a 2-0 lead at the end of the first inning. In the third inning, Brooke Fairbanks doubled to left center and later scored from second base on a Rayah Snyder double to left field, increasing Rhode Island's lead to 3-0 by the end of the third inning.

The Chargers were unable to produce any runs throughout the game, with their closest scoring opportunity coming in the seventh inning when Lucia Ceccarelli (Griswold, Conn./Griswold) singled up the middle, but no runs resulted. The game concluded with Rhode Island securing a 3-0 victory over New Haven.

Skylar Griffin (Berlin, Md./Stephen Decatur) pitched a complete game for the Chargers, recording six innings with five hits allowed and three earned runs. Griffin issued three walks, struck out one batter, and threw a total of 100 pitches, with 56 being strikes. Griffin's performance left her with a 0-7 record for the season. Lucia Ceccarelli (Griswold, Conn./Griswold) contributed defensively with one double play and collected one hit in the game. Bri Pellicone (Sandy Hook, Conn./Newtown) added another defensive highlight by turning a double play from her position at shortstop. Jaclyn Piazza (Queens, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy) reached base once after being hit by a pitch, providing a base runner for the Chargers.

Up Next, New Haven will host Yale University on Wednesday, April 15, at 4 p.m. at New Haven Softball Field in West Haven, Conn.