Softball Tops the Hop and Gears up for FAA Tournament

Many of us (and hopefully that includes our students) are familiar with the Greek mythological creature, the Phoenix, a bird that dies and then is reborn. In a similar vein, the Hamden Hall softball program had gone into decline and disappeared, only to be resurrected over the last four years under the guidance of Coach Monica Lyons, herself a standout player for HH in bygone years. 
        On Thursday, the full turn around in the program was highlighted by a stunning 7-6 win at crosstown rival Hopkins. The host Hilltoppers jumped out to an early 5-0 lead by the bottom of the third before the Hornets began to mount their comeback, scoring 3 in the top of the fourth. But Hopkins got one back and held a 6-3 lead going into the final frame only to see the Hornets explode for four runs in the top of the seventh. Trailing by one, Josie Bentlage tripled, driving in Shannon Rhone and Emily Valin. Valin had two RBIs on the day, with Rhone and Deanna Heine also driving in a run each.
        Though Hopkins had scored six runs in total they got just one hit and two earned runs off of winning pitcher, Priscilla Kozdroy, who walked six and struck out three. 
        With that victory, the Hornets improve to 7-4 on the season. They are the #2 seed in the upcoming Fairchester Tournament, which begins Monday when they face the King School of Stamford at home at 4:00. Hopefully the spirit of the phoenix will keep burning and the Hornets keep buzzing.