The Sacred Heart University softball team secured a crucial sweep over Iona in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference doubleheader at Pioneer Park on April 21. The Pioneers won the first game 5-4 and the second game 3-1.
The victories are significant for Sacred Heart, moving them to fifth place in the MAAC standings as they conclude their home schedule with an even record of 11-11.
In the opening game, Iona took an early lead by scoring two runs in the first inning. Sacred Heart responded quickly, with Charlene Davis driving in Elle Leckrone for their first run. After Iona added another run, Kaelyn Freed hit a two-run home run to tie the score at three. Additional RBIs from Leckrone and Davis gave SHU a lead they maintained through strong pitching from Emily Heath, who finished with five strikeouts and her fifth win of the season.
The second game saw Freed continue her performance by bringing Alexa Barbera home with a sacrifice fly. Pitcher Emily Campion limited Iona to just two hits over seven innings while striking out two batters. Although Iona tied the score late, SHU regained control with RBI singles from Kathryn Hotle and Freed in the sixth inning. A double play helped secure Campion’s second consecutive complete-game win.
Freed recorded her second career home run—her second in three games—and Campion continued her impressive debut season with back-to-back complete-game victories.
Looking ahead, Sacred Heart will travel for a nonconference doubleheader against Central Connecticut on Saturday, April 25.
