One year after its 11-year run of capturing a conference title came to a close the Hofstra softball team is making an early season statement in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play that the beginning of a new streak may soon be around the corner. The Pride completed its second straight weekend conference three-game sweep Saturday with a 2-0 win over George Mason to have first place all to itself in the beginning of the CAA slate.
“Anytime you can win a series it certainly helps your chances to get to the playoffs, anytime you sweep a series now you’re talking about possibly hosting it,” said Hofstra softball head coach Bill Edwards following Hofstra’s 2-0 win over George Mason thanks to a two-run sixth inning single from junior third baseman Sara Michalowski. “When [a sweep] happens it is obviously very, very gratifying.”
A major reason for Hofstra (21-6, 6-0 in CAA) getting off to its hot start in conference play with sweeps of Delaware and George Mason is the pitching of freshman pitcher Olivia Galati, who is 13-2 with a 1.11 ERA in her young college career. In the George Mason series the freshman threw a five inning perfect game on Friday and a two-hit complete game shutout on Saturday.
“She really has the mentality of a veteran,” said Edwards of his freshman pitcher. “She is giving maximum effort every pitch.”
The Hofstra defense has also been solid not giving up an error during the George Mason series. “We understand that pitching and defense wins championships and we work very hard on our defense,” said Edwards. “We’re very cognizant of our defense and we work very hard on it everyday.”
Hofstra will next be in action against Princeton at this Tuesday afternoon at 4 p.m. The Pride’s next CAA series will feature three games at James Madison on April 10 and 11. Hofstra’s next home CAA series will come on April 24 and 25 against UNC-Wilmington.
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