NEWARK, DE -- The Hofstra softball team spoiled Delaware's Senior Day by posting an 8-1 victory over the Blue Hens Sunday afternoon at Delaware Field to sweep the three-game Colonial Athletic Association series.

The Pride, which improved to 35-10 overall and 15-3 in the conference to remain in first place in the league standings, struck first by scoring two runs in the top of the third inning. Kristine Root and Casey Fee walked to open the frame, and after a pop out Sara Michalowski walked to load the bases. Root then scored when Courtney Oliver grounded out to first base, and Fee crossed the plate when Blue Hen first baseman Barbara Traynor’s throw home got by catcher Caitlin Smith.

Hofstra maintained its two-run lead until the top of the fifth, when the Pride scored four runs after the first two batters of the inning were retired. Erika Bernstein ignited the rally by beating out a groundball to shortstop, and after Genevieve Haney walked, Oliver drilled a two-run double off the centerfield fence to make it a 4-0 game. Michele DePasquale then singled to right, and Pride pinch runner Christie Novatin scored when UD rightfielder Marianne Marinella’s throw to the plate got past Smith. Melissa Hodge then followed with a single to center, driving home pinch runner Laura Jaxheimer with the fourth run of the inning.

The Pride tacked on two runs in the top of the sixth when pinch hitter Stefanie Feinstein drilled a two-run home run to leftcenter, putting Hofstra ahead 8-0.

The Blue Hens, who fell to 21-22 overall and 4-14 in the CAA, did not have a baserunner through the first five innings against Hofstra starter Kayleigh Lotti but rallied in the bottom of the sixth against reliever Joanna Kralowetz. Lindsay Novak led off with a walk, and one out later Amanda Nyisztor (above) singled into leftfield. Katie Lee then reached on an error by Fee at second base to load the bases, and one out later Quinn Megargel walked to force home Novak. However Kralowetz struck out Michelle Grap to escape the jam.

Lotti improved to 15-5 after striking out seven batters in five perfect innings, while UD starter Samantha Shawn fell to 9-12 as she allowed eight runs, seven earned, on nine hits with two strikeouts in 6.2 innings of work.

Delaware concludes its home schedule on Wednesday when the Blue Hens host UMBC in a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m.

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