HACKENSACK, N.J. — New Haven (7-23, 5-10) faced Fairleigh Dickinson University (9-27, 2-10) in a rare midweek series that saw the Blue & Gold take two of three from the Knights. 

In the first game, New Haven fell to Fairleigh Dickinson with a 5-0 loss. The Chargers struggled offensively, managing just two hits against FDU's 10. The game was decided by a pivotal three-run third inning for the Knights. 

New Haven briefly threatened in the first inning with singles from Gianna Haniff (Merrick, N.Y./Sanford H. Calhoun) and Jess Petit, but failed to score. Fairleigh Dickinson took an early lead when Brianna Holguin crossed home on an Amanda Jupinka single. FDU extended their lead in the third when Ayden Stone was hit by a pitch and later scored on Zoe Milonopoulos's double. Kailee O'Sullivan added another double, bringing the score to 4-0. FDU capped the scoring in the fifth with a run from Mikayla Conklin, resulting in a final score of 5-0.

Peyton Sullivan (Savona, N.Y./Corning-Painted Post) pitched 3 innings, allowing 6 hits and 4 earned runs, while Skylar Griffin (Berlin, Md./Stephen Decatur) relieved her, giving up 4 hits and 1 earned run over 3 innings. Offensively, Haniff and Petit each recorded a hit, and Emily Ricci (Ringwood, N.J./Lakeland Regional) drew two walks. In the field, Allison Murai (Sammamish, WA/Skyline High School) made three assists.

In the second game, New Haven bounced back with a 9-6 victory over Fairleigh Dickinson. The Chargers showcased a powerful offense, collecting 15 hits and overcoming an early deficit with significant four-run innings in both the fourth and seventh frames.

FDU initially took a 3-0 lead in the second inning, but New Haven responded with a run in the third when Bri Pellicone (Sandy Hook, Conn./Newtown) scored on a Jess Petit single. FDU extended their lead to 4-1 with an RBI double from Milonopoulos. In the fourth, New Haven surged to take control with four runs, highlighted by Cori Wilton's single that brought in two runs due to a throwing error. Pellicone's subsequent bunt single and Ricci's error-driven run scored helped the Chargers lead 5-4.

After FDU regained the lead in the fifth, New Haven rallied in the seventh, with key contributions from Brianna Trueman (Trout Run, Pa./Montoursville Area), who doubled, and Peyton Sullivan (Savona, N.Y./Corning-Painted Post), whose single drove her home. Wilton added a run via a hit by pitch, and Pellicone's single brought in two more runs for the 9-6 victory.

Katie Rhodes (Ballston Spa, N.Y./Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) pitched for 2 innings, allowing 3 earned runs, while Cecelia Imbimbo (Burlington, Mass./Burlington) secured the win with 5 innings pitched, giving up 1 earned run. Pellicone led the Chargers with four hits and three RBIs, while Wilton contributed with three RBIs.

In the final matchup, New Haven secured a 5-3 victory, bolstered by a decisive three-run seventh inning. The Chargers tallied 10 hits, including three doubles and a home run. They took an early lead in the first inning with Petit's double, but FDU responded with two unearned runs in the second to lead 2-1. Kylie Thorpe's (Taunton, Mass./Taunton) solo home run in the third tied the game, only for FDU to regain the lead with an RBI double in the fourth.

The score remained 3-2 until the seventh, when New Haven rallied. After loading the bases, Petit's sacrifice fly tied the game, and Trueman's double put the Chargers ahead. Gianna Haniff's (Merrick, N.Y./Sanford H. Calhoun) walk with the bases loaded sealed the deal, giving New Haven the 5-3 victory.

Peyton Sullivan (Savona, N.Y./Corning-Painted Post) started the game, pitching 2 innings, while Cecelia Imbimbo (Burlington, Mass./Burlington) earned the win with a strong 5-inning performance. Thorpe led the offense with three hits, including a home run, while Petit drove in two runs.

Up next, the Blue & Gold will travel to face Central Connecticut State University on Saturday, April 11, at 1 p.m. in New Britain, Connecticut.