Softball Completes Four-Game Sweep Over Sacred Heart

The Central Connecticut State University softball team continued its historic start, completing a four game sweep over Sacred Heart and winning a 11th and 12th straight game. The Blue Devils used a combination of lights out pitching and impressive hitting to earn a pair of wins on Wednesday. With the wins, Central improved to 18-5 overall and 16-0 in Northeast Conference play, extending the team's best start in NEC history.

GAME ONE

Score: Central Connecticut 1, Sacred Heart 0

Records: CCSU (17-5, 15-0 NEC), Sacred Heart (8-13, 6-7 NEC)

Location: CCSU Softball Field | New Britain, CT

Pitching Records: W: Houghton (4-1) | L: Walsh (3-5) | Sv: Hunte (3)

KEY MOMENTS

• The Blue Devils had a chance to score in the bottom of the first, with runners on second and third with two outs. However, Kim Howard could not knock the runners home and CCSU left two on base.

• Central found its moment after Bri Walker laced a single past the diving shortstop and into center field. Kristin Rose came around to score and CCSU led 1-0.

• Freshman Kate Houghton was dominant through the game's first four innings, allowing just two hits and no runs. After allowing a double in the top of the fifth, Anaya Hunte replaced her on the mound. Hunte was able to get out of the bind, retiring the next three batters.

• Hunte finished out the remainder of the game for Central, going three innings with no hits and three strikeouts. The freshman picked up her third save of the season and Houghton was credited with the win. 

GAME TWO

Score: Central Connecticut 15, Sacred Heart 1 (Five innings)

Records: CCSU (18-5, 16-0 NEC), Sacred Heart (8-14, 6-8 NEC)

Location: CCSU Softball Field | New Britain, CT

Pitching Records: W: Whittaker (4-1) | L: Pfister (0-2) | Sv: --

KEY MOMENTS

• Central poured on seven runs in the first, the most the team has scored in an inning this season. Kaitlin Paterson brought home the first with a RBI single to center field. Paige Stringer followed up with a deep home run to center field. The Blue Devils then showed great discipline at the plate, walking home three runs with the bases loaded. 

• The Blue Devils added two more in the second inning, off a double from Bri Walker scoring Kim Howard. Carli Backlund later walked with the bases loaded, giving CCSU a 9-0 advantage.

• The bats stayed scorching hot in the third inning, with Central scoring five more runs. Bri Walker hit another RBI single and finished 2-2 with two runs batted in for game two. Meg Gorman and Rian Eigenmann each brought home a run and Carli Backlund blasted a three-run home run, making the score 15-1.

• Kaylee Whittaker pitched all five innings, allowing one run on three hits and striking out two batters. She earned the win and improved her record to 5-1.

UP NEXT

Central hits the road this weekend for a highly anticipated four-game series with second place Saint Francis U. Saturday's double header is scheduled for 1:00 and 3:00 pm, while Sunday's start times will be 12:00 and 2:00 pm.