Sultan’s swat not enough for Hofstra softball

While the Hofstra University softball team may be succeeding in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) play with an 11-4 record, they appear to be achieving the polar opposite in non-conference play, even in games not against nationally ranked teams. On Wednesday, April 10, the Pride traveled to Brooklyn, New York and lost to the Long Island University (LIU) Sharks 6-3.

After their second matchup as Division I programs, the Pride dropped to a 13-18 overall record while LIU improved to 21-15.

Aside from CAA Pitcher of the Week and Hofstra ace Julia Apsel, the Pride’s pitching woes continue. Marisa Ogden, alternating from starter to reliever on a game-to-game basis, worked three innings but gave up eight hits and four runs. Her 6.75 ERA is her lowest for the season since her 27.00 ERA in her first campaign appearance.

The Sharks’ Mari Narvaiz earned her 15th RBI of the season in the top of the first inning by driving in Lily Hinkle. In the next inning, LIU scored three more runs. After walking Kaylee Clarkson and giving up a hit to Priscilla Gillies, Ogden earned her second run after facing Dallas Andrews, who singled back at Ogden and drove in Clarkson. Gillies and Andrews also both scored after Gabby Padilla hit a double.

Kayla Wilson contributed the most offensively for Hofstra, going 2-3 and striking out only once. Wilson singled in the top of the seventh frame, followed by a hit by a pitch for Gianna Iaquinto to put two on the field. The Pride were unable to score any runs for the first six innings.

That changed when freshman Gabriella Sultan’s pinch-hitting appearance in the top of the seventh inning helped the Pride avoid a shutout. With no outs and runners on first and second base, Sultan hit a deep shot to left field on a 1-2 count. Hitting her first home run in her collegiate career, Sultan gave the Pride their three runs for the day. Unfortunately, the next three batters retired and the game ended not long after Sultan’s career first.

Hofstra ended the day with five hits while LIU’s batters worked 11.

The Pride returned home and to CAA play as they hosted Stony Brook University this weekend. The three-game series against the Seawolves was on Friday, April 12, at Bill Edwards Stadium with a 5 p.m. first pitch.

 Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics/Matteo Bracco