WEST HARTFORD, Conn. -- The University of Maine softball team was defeated by the University of Hartford Hawks, 7-4, in game number one, while also falling, 7-6, in game number two on Friday afternoon at the University of Hartford.

Game 1 - Maine: 4 Hartford: 7
In the top of the first inning, the Black Bears scored two runs. Kelby Drews ripped a single up the middle after Grace McGouldrick and Kya Enos both reached earlier in the inning. After three outs, Maine held a two run lead thanks to their senior shortstop. Hartford tied the America East contest with a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning.
 
Hartford took the lead in the bottom of the third inning. A three-run homerun gave the Hawks a 5-2 advantage after 18 total outs.
 
Keely Clark cut into the Hartford lead with an RBI single down the right field line. After five total innings, Maine trailed 5-3.
 
After Hartford scored another, Kelby Drews scored Enos from third base on a ground out. It was the final run of game number one for Maine as they fell 7-4.
 
Notes:

• Caitlyn Fallon started the first game of the day and went 4.0 innings. Gabbie Siciliano carried the load for the final two innings. The pair allowed six earned while striking out three.
• Izzy Nieblas and Keely Clark led the way with two hits apiece in the game one loss.

Maine: 3 Hartford: 6
The Black Bears took a two run lead in the top of the first inning after the Hawks committed three errors. The advantage was short lived as Hartford launched a two-run home run to tie the contest at two runs apiece after one inning.
 
The Hawks took a three run lead with a three-run home run in the bottom of the second inning. Maine trailed 5-2 after 12 total outs.
 
The two squads traded runs in the fifth inning. The score was 6-3 Hartford after five complete.
 
Emma Larke, Mariah Pearson, and Grace McGouldrick all scored in the sixth inning. A single, two errors, and a bunt equaled three runs for the Black Bears.
 
With the game tied 6-6 in the bottom of the seventh, Hartford lined a double down the right field line that scored the game winning run. Maine fell in game number two, 7-6.
 
Notes:

• Gabbie Siciliano and Alexandra Gruitch (0-14) went 6.1 innings and allowed seven earned runs.
• Grace McGouldrick, Kya Enos, Katie Jo Moery, Kelby Drews, and Keely Clark all recorded one hit in the loss..

 
Next: The two squads will return to the field tomorrow, Saturday, May 7 for the finale. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 pm.
 
-UMaine-