Southern Connecticut State University fell 8-5 to Minnesota State University in a non-conference game at Space Coast, Florida, marking their first loss of the season. The Owls, now 2-1 overall, faced a tough challenge from the Mavericks, who improved to 8-10. Giselle Delutri started for the Owls, allowing six runs on nine hits over 4.1 innings, while Moira Collins pitched 2.2 innings in relief, surrendering two runs on four hits.
Offensively, the Owls had moments of success. Cheyenne LaTouche went 1-for-2 with two RBIs, Izzy Ingersoll drove in two runs with a home run—her first as an Owl—and Olivia Young added an RBI single. The Owls scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning after falling behind 2-0 on a two-run home run by Minnesota State’s Hannah Tong. Sofia Angiolini’s walk with the bases loaded in the first inning cut the deficit to 2-1, and LaTouche’s double later in the inning gave the Owls a 3-2 lead.
Minnesota State responded with a four-run fifth inning, fueled by four hits, to take a 6-4 advantage. The Mavericks added two more runs in the sixth on a home run, stretching their lead to 8-4. Southern Connecticut clawed back in the seventh when Ingersoll hit her first career home run as an Owl, trimming the deficit to 8-5. The Owls could not overcome the deficit, however, and fell short in their final at-bat.
The game, played at a local facility in Space Coast, highlighted both teams’ struggles and flashes of potential. Southern Connecticut’s offense showed promise but was ultimately outpaced by Minnesota State’s late-game power. The Owls will look to regroup as they continue their season, while the Mavericks move forward with a win that boosts their record.