New Britain, CT – The Wagner College softball team concluded their series with a 9-6 loss in a closely contested game against Central Connecticut.
The Seahawks came out strong in the top of the first inning. With sophomore Lea Rachal on first base and junior Geanice Morales on third, freshman Emma Rocha singled to center, driving in Morales to give Wagner an early 1-0 lead. Rachal advanced to second on the play.
In the top of the third inning, the Seahawks kept the momentum going. Freshmen Lilly Banse and Taylor Reynolds were on first and second, respectively, with junior Payton Janicki on third. Freshman Alayna Giampolo walked to load the bases, and Banse advanced to second while Reynolds moved to third, allowing Janicki to score the Seahawks second run. Shortly after, sophomore Leilani Gonzales was hit by a pitch, which advanced Giampolo to second, Banse to third, and sent Reynolds home, bringing the score to 3-0 in favor of the Seahawks.
In the following inning, Wagner added two more runs. Rocha singled to center, advanced to second, and drove in sophomore Brityn Buchanan for the Seahawks' fourth run. Moments later, Reynolds hit a sacrifice fly to center field, allowing Rachal to score Wagner's fifth run.
However, Central Connecticut responded strongly in the bottom of the fourth inning, scoring eight runs to take an 8-5 lead. In the sixth inning, Janicki hit a sacrifice fly that brought Morales home, making it 8-6. The Blue Devils responded with one more run, extending their lead to 9-6, which held through the final inning.
Next up, the Seahawks will hit the road for a doubleheader against Seton Hall on Tuesday, March 25.
