The Sacred Heart University softball team earned a 3-1 victory in extra innings against Mount St. Mary’s on April 19, clinching the series and moving ahead in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference standings.
This win is significant for Sacred Heart as it boosts their position in the conference and marks their first comeback victory of the season when trailing after six innings.
The game remained scoreless until the fifth inning due to strong pitching from both teams. Sacred Heart starter Emily Campion did not allow a hit until the fifth, but Mount St. Mary’s took a 1-0 lead after a hit-by-pitch and single. Campion responded with a perfect sixth inning, keeping her team within reach.
In the seventh inning, Cierra Bender led off with a double for Sacred Heart, followed by Ella Stoops advancing her to third with a sacrifice bunt. With two outs, Alexa Barbera doubled to tie the game at one run each. After shutting down Mount St. Mary’s in the bottom of the seventh, Sacred Heart went ahead in extra innings when Elle Leckrone hit a two-run home run, giving them a 3-1 lead.
Campion pitched into the eighth before being relieved by Emily Heath, who recorded two quick outs to secure her first save of the season and seal Sacred Heart’s comeback win.
Other notable achievements included Leckrone’s fourth home run of the year and Campion tying her season-high for innings pitched while earning her second win of the season. The Pioneers also won their sixth conference series this year.
Looking ahead, Sacred Heart will host Iona for an important doubleheader on Tuesday, April 21.
