WEST HARTFORD, Connecticut -- Emily Reid and Laurine German guided the University of Maine softball team to a 5-2 victory over Hartford on Sunday afternoon.
 
Brianna Neely and Emma Larke both reached base to lead off the bottom of the first for the Black Bears. Alyssa Derrick drove in Neely from third, while Larke scored on a pass ball. The two freshmen gave their squad an early 2-0 lead.
 
Laurine German had a two-out, bases loaded chance in the bottom of the second, and the senior delivered. The Maine native singled through the left side and drove in Amanda Nee and Kelby Drews. Maine had a 4-0 lead after two complete.
 
Amanda Nee extended the Black Bears' advantage to five after she lifted a sacrifice fly to center field that allowed Keely Clark to score from third base.
 
Hartford cut into the Maine lead in the top of the fourth with two unearned runs. Emma Curry singled through the left side that allowed Haley Cassidy and Kylie Dazalla to score.
 
Emily Reid would do the rest as the freshman finished the game with three consecutive scoreless innings. The Black Bears held onto the 5-2 lead to take the third and final game of the weekend series.
 
Notes:

• Emily Reid went all 7.0 innings for Maine, while only allowing five hits. The two runs were both unearned. Reid also struck out two over the afternoon.
• Laurine German finished the game with two RBI. Alyssa Derrick and Amanda Nee chipped in with the other two Maine RBI.

 
Next: The Black Bears will host their 2019 home opener on Thursday, April 18th with a doubleheader against Holy Cross. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 pm.
 
-UMaine-