WEST HAVEN, CONN. – The University of New Haven softball team split an NE-10 Conference doubleheader against Franklin Pierce

University Sunday afternoon. The Chargers fell 5-8 in the opening game, but rallied for a 11-0 five inning victory in the second game. The Chargers moved to 14-12 overall, while the Ravens moved to 9-12 on the season.

Game One

After a scoreless first inning, the Chargers took the lead in the bottom of the second inning.  Taking advantage of two defensive errors, Amy Nepi (New Castle, Del./St. Elizabeth ) and Sadie Redman (Bangor, Maine/Bangor) crossed the plate for the first Charger runs of the game.  Lucy Francisco (Lawrence, Mass./Lawrence ) collected an RBI on a double, scoring Brandy Dianno (Philadelphia, Pa./Nazareth Academy) who reached the bases earlier in the inning of an error.  The Ravens answered back in the top of the third, posting one run on a double down the left field line.  New Haven recovered their three run lead in the, scoring on an infield single by Dianno.  Fisher crossed the plate after walking in her at bat.

The Ravens collected two more runs in the top of the fifth on two hits and an error by the Charger defense.  New Haven collected its only other run of the game when Brooke Fisher (Erial, N.J./Camden Catholic) homered in the bottom of the inning.  The Ravens were able to push five runs across the plate to take the lead in the sixth inning, powered by a three RBI homerun and a two RBI single.

New Haven pitcher Kelsey Malloy (Clarksburg, Mass./Drury) suffered the loss, facing 29 batters, allowing eight runs and striking five.  Her record falls to 6-6 on the season.

Game Two

New Haven took the early lead in the first inning when Shannon Angehr (Levittown, N.Y./Division Avenue ), who singled earlier in the inning, scored on a sacrifice fly by Lindsey Couturier (Dighton, Mass./Dighton Rehoboth Regional).  The game remained scoreless until the Chargers posted three more runs in the bottom of the third inning.  Brandy Dianno (Philadelphia, Pa./Nazareth Academy) scored from third on a single hit by Angehr, reaching the bases earlier in the inning with an infield single.  Couturier put one over the fence for a 2 RBI homer, extending the Charger’s lead to four runs.

The Chargers clinched the victory in the bottom of the fourth inning, pushing seven more runs across the plate.  Adding to the lead was Francisco with a single, scoring Nepi who also tallied a single in the inning.  Couturier continued her strong performance at the plate with a two RBI single to right center.  Fisher also posted a 2 RBI  double in the inning.  New Haven collected their final runs of the 11-0 shutout on a 2 RBI single to left center by freshman Erika Williams (Oneida, N.Y./Oneida).

Couturier led the team in the win, going 3-for-3 at the plate with a homerun.  Angehr also had a strong offensive appearance, going 2-for-2 at the plate.

Alana Wesche (Oxford, Conn./Naugatuck) collected the win for the Chargers, facing 18 batters and giving up only two hits in five innings pitched. Her record improves to 7-6 with the win.

New Haven returns to action on Tuesday, April 3 when it travels to the College of Saint Rose. Game time is set for 3 p.m. Stay posted to www.NewHavenChargers.com for complete coverage.