Bulldogs Drop First Conference Game of Season, 3-2 at Southern Connecticut

Box Score
NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Southern Connecticut State junior third baseman Kelly Brenner delivered a lead-off double down the left field line in the bottom of the 10^th, scoring pinch-runner Jamie Bartone as the Owls handed Bryant University its first conference loss this afternoon (Apr. 7), 3-2, at Pelz Field.

The second game of this Northeast-10 Conference doubleheader was called in the fourth inning due to darkness at approximately 7:15 p.m.  With the win in game one, the Owls improve to 9-3-1 overall, 1-2 in the NE-10.  Bryant falls to 10-8, 7-1 in conference play.

Southern freshman right-hander Jessica Dempsey hurled all 10 innings, allowing just two Bulldogs to score (one earned run) on six hits.  Dempsey struck out an impressive eight Bryant batters to record her fifth win on the young season.

With the Owls down 2-0 going into the bottom of the fifth, sophomore center fielder Courtney Miniter  started a two-out rally with a single to third base.  After Miniter stole second, senior second baseman Jessica Hernandez  doubled to center field to drive in Miniter and cut the lead in half. 

The Owls would tie the score in the bottom of the sixth as sophomore designated hitter Mallory Deprey walked with the bases loaded to bring in Brenner and force extra innings.

Bryant sophomore starter Nikki Ingalls (pictured) pitched well for the Bulldogs despite being tagged with the loss.  Ingalls pitched all nine innings while giving up just two earned runs (three total) on eight Owl hits.  Ingalls struck out six batters.