Bolan's Walk-Off Homerun Gives Softball a Split With Wagner

Central Connecticut split a Northeast Conference softball doubleheader against Wagner on Saturday afternoon at CCSU Softball Field. Senior Emily Sargent held the Seahawks offense in check until freshman Sydney Bolan delivered a walk-off homerun in the second game for a 2-1 win to salvage a split of the doubleheader. Wagner took the first game of the day, 2-0.

Central's record moves to 12-19 on the season and 3-3 in Northeast Conference play, while Wagner stands at 7-18 overall and 1-4 in the NEC.

GAME 1: Wagner 2, CCSU 0

The Seahawks scored a pair of runs in the third inning which proved to be the difference in a pitcher's duel. Sophomore Peyton Silverman recorded seven strikeouts for the Blue Devils, while Morgan Brown posted 10 strikeouts for Wagner.

Wagner opened the third inning with back-to-back runners reaching base. A sacrifice bunt moved the runners to second and third with one out for Jessica Carlucci, who put down a bunt that CCSU was unable to make a play on. Karen Prihoda scored on the play to make it 1-0, while Zoe Bender moved to third. Kaila Smith followed with a single that brought home Bender to make it 2-0.

In the bottom of the inning, senior Brittany Camara would single and move to third base with two outs. Senior Lex Debrosse would walk to put runners on the corners, but Brown would avoid trouble by ending the inning with a strikeout. 

Silverman took the loss despite allowing just one earned run on six hits. She walked one while striking out seven. Camara had a hit and a stolen base for the Blue Devils, while junior Kaitlin Paterson doubled for the game's only extra-base hit.

Brown got the win for Wagner, allowing just four hits and one walk.

GAME 2: CCSU 2, Wagner 1

The day's second game was another pitcher's duel, with the Blue Devils pulling out the win on Bolan's homerun. Senior Emily Sargent held the Seahawks to one run, while striking out five for the victory.

CCSU opened the scoring in the third inning. Sophomore Giuliana Hathaway reached on an error to lead off and was followed by a bunt single by senior Tori Constantin.  Sophomore Emily Cronin advanced the runners on a sacrifice before Camara scored Hathaway on an RBI-groundout to make it 1-0.

Sargent kept the Seahawks off the scoreboard until the sixth inning. A leadoff single by Bender was followed by a one out walk to put her on second base. With two outs, Maite Reece singled up the middle to bring home a run and tie the game, 1-1.

The Blue Devils' first two batters in the seventh were retired before Bolan came on to pinch hit. She would drive a pitch down the line in right field that stayed inside the foul pole for her fifth homer of the season to give CCSU a 2-1 win.

Sargent improved to 7-8 on the season with the win. She scattered seven hits and walked two, while striking out five and allowing just a run. 

Arielle Koerber allowed just three hits in 6.2 innings for Wagner. She struck out seven and walked none. 

Central is back in action on Sunday at home against LIU Brooklyn. The doubleheader is slated for a Noon start.