The Hartford softball team earned two victories on March 16 during day three of the Space Coast Spring Games, defeating Western Connecticut State and Rutgers University-Newark.
These wins are significant for the Hawks as they continue their performance in the tournament, demonstrating resilience and teamwork across both games.
In the first game against Western Connecticut State, sophomore Alyssa Edwards opened scoring with an RBI double. Senior Carly Mayhood pitched through early threats to keep Hartford ahead until a two-run inside-the-park home run by Alyvia Hogg tied the score. After a rain delay in the sixth inning, senior Gia Miccio hit a go-ahead two-run inside-the-park home run. The Wolves responded to tie the game again, sending it into extra innings. Sophomore Katrina Baran restored Hartford’s lead with a hit in the eighth inning, and senior Gracie Hopkins closed out the win without allowing any runs or hits. “It’s been amazing playing here with my teammates, especially with us being such a close knit team,” said Edwards. “While the wins weren’t easy, we dug deep throughout both games and that makes me feel great!”
Against Rutgers-Newark in Game 2, Hartford quickly built a lead through aggressive base running and timely hitting from Baran and Edwards. The Hawks led 8-0 after four innings before Rutgers-Newark mounted a comeback in the fifth. Despite giving up several runs, Hartford maintained its advantage with additional offense from Edwards and strong relief pitching from Hopkins to secure a 9-7 victory. Junior Adelie Beebe said, “It feels great to get these two wins especially coming together and working as a team and we are looking to win two more tomorrow!”
Eight different players contributed hits for Hartford in their second win of the day. Edwards continued her strong performance at bat throughout both games.
Looking ahead, Hartford will conclude its Spring Break trip with games against University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire at 10 AM and Hamilton College at 12:15 PM.
