PHILADELPHIA— The University of Pennsylvania softball team closed out their first homestand of the season today, falling just short to Seton Hall earlier this afternoon.
With the loss, the Quakers move to 1-13 on the season as they prepare for their first Ivy League matchup of the season against Yale this weekend.
Final: Seton Hall 7, Penn 4
Seton Hall jumped out to an early lead in today's game, with Hannah Alexander sending a ball to right field, scoring Katey Brennan with the fielding error by Penn in the top of the first inning. In the third, Brennan notched a double that scored Angelina Benitez to give the Pirates their second run. Kelsey Carr then hit a single to score Brennan, and Carr scored herself on a Penn error on a ball hit into left field by Andrea Perez. Halfway through the third, Seton Hall led, 5-0. The Quakers responded in their half of the third, Gigi Ganje sending a sacrifice fly deep to right field to score Abbie Stellrecht from third. Despite getting their bats going, the Red and Blue exited the inning with only one run on the board.
Seton Hall's Olivia Gilbert sent a moonshot to left field, bringing in pinch runner Jessica Muniz as she rounded the bases to notch two more runs for the Pirates. In the sixth inning, the Quakers continued to fight, with Jade Montgomery working a walk and Madison Bauerle tallying a single. Both advanced on a wild pitch to Ella Utschig, Montgomery scoring on the play. Utschig proceeded to send a single through the left side to score Bauerle with ease, bringing the score to 7-3.
Keeping the Pirates at bay in the seventh, the Red and Blue were ready to battle to the last out. Lexi Youngren put the ball in play up the third base line, ultimately reaching on a fielding error. Megan Huang reached on a fielder's choice, putting one out on the board and a runner on first. Huang stole second not long after, putting a runner in scoring position for Ganje at the plate. Ganje hit her second sacrifice fly of the day into center field, advancing Huang to third. Riley then sent a single up the middle, scoring Huang. Maia Hartley came in to pinch run for Riley, who advanced to second as Montgomery worked another walk. Bauerle then garnered her third hit of the afternoon with another single, loading the bases for Utschig with two outs. Utschig, eager to swing away, battled through her at bat, but ultimately struck out, ending the game.
Up Next:
The Quakers travel North this weekend for their first conference series against Yale.
For the latest on Penn Softball, follow @Penn_Softball on X and Instagram, and on the web at PennAthletics.com.
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