By Kyle Kandetzki - MANAGING EDITOR The Hofstra Pride softball team passed a midweek non-conference test, utilizing a six-run fifth inning to top the Seton Hall Pirates, 8-4.
Jessica Peslak started in the circle for Hofstra, facing Seton Hall’s Chris Head, who was a last second change as the starter over their ace, Madison Strunk. Peslak went the distance for the ninth time in 2016, putting her team to a record of 17-14.
“[Peslak] competed, it’s tough to play in this temperature,” said head coach Larissa Anderson, referencing the 38-degree conditions at Bill Edwards Stadium. “There were a few innings where the cold did affect her, but what I really like is that she responded.”
Hofstra’s offense came alive and permanently stayed out front in the fifth. Trailing 3-2 at the time, a single and two walks loaded the bases. Strunk then came in to pitch, but wouldn’t provide any relief.
Christie Sinacori came on to pinch hit, and singled in two runs off of the center fielder’s mitt to push Hofstra ahead 4-3. Strunk’s struggles continued, as the next batter, Madison Ambush, hit a grounder that couldn’t be handled by shortstop Ragen Reddick, bringing in run number five.
Lacey Clark and Caryn Bailey then knocked in one apiece via singles, and pinch-hitter Isabela Hansbury hit a sac fly to make the score 8-3. Strunk only lasted two-thirds of an inning.
“I think what was most important was seeing us attack early in the count,” said Anderson. “And that’s what we need to do, jump on them early, be aggressive and not let the pitcher dictate the at-bat.”
Seton Hall added a solo homer by Alexis Walkden to bring the game to its final of 8-4.
Before the rally, the game was a back-and-forth affair, with both starters struggling to find control. Hofstra brought home one run on a bases loaded walk, but left three runners on base in the first.
The Pirates responded with two in the second. Peslak walked and hit a batter in consecutive tries. They moved up to second and third on a wild pitch, and were knocked in via a Destiny Peck single.
Hofstra’s other RBI came via Chloe Fitzgerald knocking in Lacey Clark on a single. Fitzgerald was in unfamiliar territory Tuesday, as she moved from her typical leadoff spot in the order, to second, behind Caryn Bailey.
“She’s great with nobody on [base],” said Anderson about Bailey. “So why not give her an opportunity to be a leadoff hitter.”
The Pride now returns to CAA play this Saturday as they kick off a three-game set with Elon University on Saturday at 1 p.m.