Softball Drops Northeast Conference Doubleheader Versus Robert Morris, Logan Homers in Opener

Central Connecticut (6-23, 2-6) lost both ends of a Northeast Conference home doubleheader versus Robert Morris (18-15, 6-3) at the University of New Haven. The Blue Devils dropped 7-2 and 1-0 decisions. Junior Jaclyn Logan had a home run in the opener. Logan and junior Sara Budrick singled in the second contest. Senior Rachel Brenneman scattered four hits and struck out six in game two.

Robert Morris scored twice in the top half of the first inning in game one. Both runs were unearned. Logan trimmed the deficit in half in the bottom of the second with a solo shot to center field. It was her first home run of the season.

The Colonials added to their lead in the third. Freshman Jaci Timko led off with an infield single, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and scored on a single by senior Brooke Panepinto. After stealing second, Panepinto scored on a single off the bat of sophomore Annie Dubovec. Central Connecticut responded again, cutting the deficit in half with a run in the bottom half of the third. After a leadoff single by senior Jenna Earley, an error and two fielder's choice plays gave the Blue Devils runners at first and second with two outs. Sophomore Katherine Knowles drove in the run with a single to right center.

Robert Morris stretched its lead to 7-2 with a three-run fifth inning. Senior Kristin McDaniel highlighted the frame with a two-run double. It proved to be the final run production of the game.

Sophomore Erica Koehler added a single in the loss. Panepinto went 3-for-4 with three RBI and two runs to lead the Colonial offense. Freshman Alexa Bryson struck out nine to pick up the win on the mound. Sophomore Elizabeth Montemurro struck out three in the defeat.

In game two, neither team put a run on the board until the seventh inning. Panepinto led off the top half of the inning with a single. She moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and scored on a McDaniel double to right center. Central Connecticut threatened in the bottom of the seventh. Budrick singled, and with two outs moved to second on a Koehler walk. Bryson, however, ended the game with her eighth strikeout.

Bryson surrendered just two hits in her second complete game effort of the day. She walked two and struck out eight.

Central Connecticut is scheduled to host a Northeast Conference doubleheader versus St. Francis (PA) tomorrow at Saint Joseph College. Game one has been moved to a 1 p.m. start.