Pirates Drop Second Game of Series against UConn Despite Late Comeback Attempt

Published: Monday, March 16, 2026

by Tyler Seabrease

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. - The UConn Huskies (8-17, 3-2) held off a late push from the Seton Hall Pirates (9-11, 1-4) to secure an 8–6 victory, using a strong start to earn the win.

UConn jumped ahead early, scoring three runs in the first inning to immediately set the tone. The Huskies continued to build their lead with another run in the second before adding three more in the fifth and an insurance run in the seventh. The early offensive surge proved crucial as Seton Hall battled from behind throughout the entire game.

Seton Hall responded, cutting into the deficit with a three-run third inning that shifted some momentum back to them. The Pirates continued to chip away, adding another run in the fourth before scoring two more in the sixth inning to pull within striking distance.

Despite the comeback effort, the Pirates ultimately fell just short after UConn’s early advantage held up through the final innings.

At the plate, Kaitlyn Kibling led the way for UConn with a strong 2-for-3 performance, highlighted by a home run from the ninth spot in the lineup that provided a key spark for the Huskies’ offense.

Cat Petteys also played a major role, recording two hits of her own, including a home run that helped extend UConn’s lead during a crucial stretch of the game. Contributions throughout the lineup helped UConn total nine hits, allowing the Huskies to maintain steady offensive pressure. 

On the mound, Amber Bretton earned the win for UConn after keeping Seton Hall’s lineup in check during key moments of the game.

Jessica Walter later came on in relief to close out the contest and secure the victory. Walter worked 2.1 scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while preventing the Pirates from completing their comeback attempt.

For Seton Hall, Sophia DeMarco helped lead the Pirates’ offense with two hits, continuing to provide consistent production in the middle of the Pirates’ lineup. Andrea Perez also contributed with two hits in three at-bats, helping fuel Seton Hall’s offensive push as the Pirates tried to erase the early deficit.

Overall, Seton Hall finished with eight hits and created several scoring opportunities as the game progressed.

Despite the loss, Seton Hall showed resilience by continuing to battle late in the game and forcing UConn to protect its lead until the final outs. The Pirates’ ability to respond after falling behind early demonstrated the team’s competitive effort and kept the game close throughout the later innings. 

In the end, however, UConn’s fast start and consistent offensive production proved enough to hold off Seton Hall’s rally, sealing the 8–6 win for the Huskies.

After the Pirates wrap up the series against UConn on Sunday, they will have Monday to rest before they head to Lawrenceville for a doubleheader against Rider. The first game is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. while the second is scheduled for 4:00 P.M.

Tyler Seabrease can be reached at tyler.seabrease@student.shu.edu

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