Credit: GR Productions
Pirates Fall to UConn, Get Swept in Weekend Series
Published: Sunday, March 23, 2025
by Sean Casey
SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. - Seton Hall Pirates softball (15-3, 5-4) traveled to Storrs to face UConn (16-11, 5-1) in a three-game weekend series, but ultimately fell 7-0, 6-2, and 17-9, respectively.
Game one saw the Pirates struggle offensively while the Huskies dominated on the mound. Making her tenth start of the season for UConn, graduate student Payton Kinney was absolutely lights out and had no issue with the Pirate lineup. Kinney threw a complete game shutout while collecting four strikeouts, simultaneously limiting the Pirate lineup to just one hit; Caroline Hobbes was able to secure it.
At the plate, the Pirates were unable to contain Kaitlyn Breslin, as she went 3-4 with two RBIs. The Pirates’ best offensive chance of the game came in the sixth inning when the top of the order loaded the bases with two outs. Despite the opportunity, a rolled grounder to third would end the inning as the Pirates ultimately dropped the game 7-0.
Saturday's game saw the bats improve but it still wasn't enough to secure a win. Despite going down 1-0 in the first inning, the Pirates rallied back to tie it when Kyra Kreuscher drove in Andrea Perez. The lead did not last long, however, as the Huskies tacked on two more runs the next inning, giving them a 3-1 lead. UConn's offense came out strong, scoring runs in each of the first four innings.
After leaving runners on in the third inning, the Pirates would cut the lead after Brennan scored Hobbes on a sacrifice fly to center field, making it a 5-2 game. UConn did not let up, scoring right after, making the game 6-2. In the bottom of the frame, two Huskies scored to make it a 5-1 UConn lead. The Pirates tried to mount a comeback in the seventh inning as Brennan and Taylor Hill reached base to open the inning, but the Pirates were unable to plate either.
The series finale saw improved offense but the pitching struggle as the Pirates dropped the finale 17-9 in six innings. The Pirates’ offense got off to a great start thanks to Brennan who led off the game with a home run for Hall, her third time doing so all season.
UConn, however, responded with a six-run bottom of the frame, and the Pirates would have to play catchup from there. At the end of four innings, the Pirates faced a 9-1 deficit.
The Pirates did fight back, as Andrea Perez turned and launched one over the fence to make it a 9-2 game in the third inning. Hannah Alexander added another solo home run to the tally, pulling The Hall within six and making it a 9-3 game.
The Pirates fought back to tie in the sixth inning, but the tie would not last long. UConn put up eight runs in the bottom of the frame to hand the Pirates a 17-9 loss in six innings.
Up next for the Pirates is a double-header against Wagner this upcoming Tuesday as the Pirates look to get back on the right track.
Sean Casey can be reached at sean.casey@student.shu.edu.Posted in: sports,