Southern Connecticut State Softball Battles Hard but Falls to Pace in Doubleheader

Southern Connecticut Softball Faces Tough Losses Against Pace

The Southern Connecticut softball team faced a challenging day on April 19, losing both games of their doubleheader against Pace. The results left the Owls with a record of 13 wins and 16 losses overall, and 2 wins against 9 losses in the Northeast-10 conference. In contrast, Pace showcased their dominance with an impressive record of 32-8 and a perfect 16-0 in conference play.

In the first game, the Owls struggled offensively, managing just two hits against Pace’s star pitcher, Giselle Garcia, who is predicted to be the Northeast-10 Pitcher of the Year for 2024. Despite a strong effort from pitcher Kate Nickerson, who threw all six innings and struck out two batters, the Owls fell short, finishing with a score of 3-1. Karley Austin shone with a notable solo home run in the sixth inning, marking her first career home run. However, it was not enough to shift the momentum.

Game two offered a glimmer of hope for the Owls. Izzy Ingersoll was a standout performer, going 3-for-4 at the plate, including a double. The Owls managed to tie the game at one after Rachel Miller scored on a wild pitch. Ashley Lewis pitched well, yet the game ended with a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat in the eighth inning. The Owls had a chance in the bottom of the eighth with back-to-back singles from Ingersoll and Miller, but couldn’t capitalize, allowing Pace to walk it off with a late run.

The challenges faced in this doubleheader highlight the competitiveness of the Northeast-10 conference, where top teams like Pace continue to excel. As the Owls prepare for their next game against Bentley on April 21, they will need to harness their recent experiences to turn their season around.

In a survey conducted by the NCAA, 66% of college athletes reported feeling pressure during their competitive seasons. This reflects the heightened stakes and intense competition, especially in crucial matches like the doubleheader against Pace. With every game, the pressure to perform and win is palpable, and teams must work not only on their skills but also on their mental resilience.

The Southern Connecticut Owls will aim to rally and demonstrate their fighting spirit in upcoming games. By focusing on their training and strategy, they can work to improve their standing in the conference.

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