FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason Softball team (9-26) fell to Delaware (28-8) in their last game of a three-game series 2-0 on Sunday. With the loss the Patriots are now 2-7 in Colonial Athletic Association play and the Blue Hens remained undefeated at 9-0.
Delaware wasted no time putting its first run on the board, scoring in the top of the first. The Blue Hens capitalized on a dropped ball, allowing Amanda Stacevicz, who reached on a single up the middle, to cross the plate for the early 1-0 lead.
In the top of the fourth, the visiting squad added another run when Lisa Stacevicz hit a home run over the left center wall to bring the score to 2-0. It was the only earned run of the game.
Delaware threatened to score in the fifth with runners on second and first. After the Patriots intentionally walked Stacevicz to load the bases, Marisa Newman grounded into a double play as the Patriots escaped the inning with no more runs scored.
Mason's defense went to work again after the Blue Hens loaded the bases again in the sixth. Casey Herring was able to strike out Gina Knutson for the second out and forced Jessica Grisler into a groundout to close the inning. Delaware still held a 2-0 lead over Mason.
The Patriots tried to rally in the bottom of the seventh with the bases loaded. With two outs already on the board, Samantha Barney pinch hit for Mary O'Connor but was unable to bring any runners home as she grounded out to first base.
Taylor Curran picked up the win for Delaware and Chenxi Jiao was awarded the save. Shelby Jones was 2-for-2 for the Blue Hens and Regan Doiron was 2-for-3 for the Patriots.
Mason returns to action this Tuesday, April 9th, for a doubleheader with Hampton University at 3 p.m.
