Softball downs Stony Brook with strong pitching

Softball downs Stony Brook with strong pitching

By Angelique Fiske, QBSN Publishing Editor

Even though the rain cut the softball team’s doubleheader against Stony Brook (31-14-1) in half, the weather didn’t stop the Bobcats (29-15) from pulling away with 4-0 victory over the Seawolves.  Despite the score, the game showcased the two opposing pitchers’ dominance and proved that one rough inning can change the course of any outing. 

courtesy: quinnipiacbobcats.com

All of the runs came across the plate in the bottom of the second inning.  Sophomore pitcher Katie Alfiere (Beacon Falls, Conn.) helped out her own cause, driving in the game’s first run.  Her RBI single to left centerfield drove home Mina Duffy (Piedmont, Calif.) for her fifth run batted in this year.  After Bridget Figmic (Stratford, Conn.) reached on a single, senior catcher Ashley Heiberger nailed a home run to left centerfield for third long-ball of the season. 

Outside of being shaken up in the second inning, Stony Brook pitcher Christine Lucido threw a flawless game.  The only five hits she allowed were a product the second frame.  Lucido sent every other Bobcat back to the bench the order in which they came, collecting five strikeouts along the way.

Despite Lucido’s remarkable effort, her team’s offense could not break Alfiere.  Only one Seawolf reached third base in the game, but Alfiere struck out Jess Combs to end the bases loaded threat.  Alfiere went the distance, allowing four hits, giving up two walks and striking out three.  With the win, her record improves to 7-2 on the year.

“To come out and shut them out like that is a tremendous performance, and Katie deserves a lot of credit for that,” head coach Germaine Fairchild said.

While Fairchild praised Alfiere’s performance, the pitcher acknowledged the importance of the win for the team as it prepares for the postseason.

“It’s a huge confidence booster,” Alfiere said.  “We’re all hitting really well.  We’re all working together really well, and it’s just good to know we can shut down a team that’s really good in their conference.”

Quinnipiac finishes its regular season in a weekend series against St. Francis (Pa.) staring May 5.  This last conference test before the playoffs is one that Fairchild welcomes as a chance to keep her team hot in all aspects of its game.

“We’re still in a phase where we’re getting better every game,” Fairchild said.  “Every opportunity we have to play, we’re going to get a little bit better at something.”

This will only aid the Bobcats as they round out the rest of their regular season and fix their sights beyond it.