HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – The Elon University softball team lost control of an early lead for the second straight game as the Phoenix fell to Hofstra, 8-2, in the Colonial Athletic Association rubber match on Saturday, April 22, at Bill Edwards Stadium.
 
The loss dropped the Phoenix to 18-23 on the season and 11-6 in the CAA. The Pride improved to 20-23 overall on the year and 12-6 in the CAA.
 
AT THE PLATE
The Phoenix registered five hits in the game. Allee Seering had two RBI for the maroon and gold while hitting a home run. Megan Grant added a double to her stat line in today's contest.
 
IN THE CIRCLE
McKenna McCard took the loss for the Phoenix, falling to 6-4 on the year. The sophomore allowed nine hits and five runs in 5.0 innings of action.
 
THE RUNDOWN
The Phoenix started the game with a 2-0 lead in the top of the first. Drew Menscer reached on an error and advanced to second on the play. Seering then took an 0-1 count over the wall in center field for her fourth homer of the season as the two-run blast put Elon ahead.
 
Hofstra took little time to answer and snatch the advantage from the Phoenix in the bottom of the first. The first two runners reached on singles with both moving into scoring position with one out. The Pride later scored on a fielder's choice and continued to push two more runs across on a sac fly and an RBI single.
 
The Pride added to its advantage in the bottom of the second. Elon retired the first two batters, but Hofstra stayed alive as Chelsea Manto reached on a single and stole second to move into scoring position. That would prove costly for the Phoenix as Manto would plate the fourth run of the game for Hofstra on an RBI single from Meghan Giordano to give the Pride a 4-2 lead.
 
Elon had a runner reach scoring position in the top of the fifth. Grant doubled to right field with two outs, but would get stranded as the next batter was retired on a groundout.
 
Insurance runs in the bottom of the fifth and sixth frames for the Pride helped Hofstra pull away from the Phoenix and set the final score for the series win.
 
ON DECK
The Phoenix returns home to host College of Charleston for a three-game series on April 29-30. The program will also host Senior Day on Sunday to honor its graduating class.