The Fairfield University Club Softball team opened its season on Sunday in commanding
fashion, sweeping Hofstra in a two-game series that showcased both dominance and
sportsmanship. The Stags claimed Game 1 with a 9-0 win and followed it up with a 14-3 rout in
Game 2, with both contests ending early via the league's mercy rule.
The Hofstra Pride began the day with only eight players, one short of a complete roster,
prompting Fairfield Co-President Emily Graceffa '26 to step in and fill the ninth lineup spot for
the Pride. Graceffa made an immediate impact, delivering a key hit and strong defensive plays
against her own team before Hofstra's ninth player arrived in the third inning.
However, the Stags' offense came out firing, scoring five of their nine runs in the first inning to
set the tone early, and with Rachel Wood '29 on the mound for Fairfield, the Pride couldn't
recover. In her first game as a Stag, Wood put together a stellar debut, throwing a complete
game shutout and striking out eight while allowing just five hits and two walks across 22 batters.
Fairfield carried this momentum into Game 2, plating another two runs in the first inning. This
time, though, Hofstra fought back, scoring one in the second and two in the third to take its first
lead of the day. But their advantage didn't last long.
In the bottom of the third, the Stags' bats exploded, batting through the order twice and tallying
12 runs on eight hits, aided by Hofstra's six errors in the inning. After a pitching change, the
Pride secured three outs, but the deficit proved too much. The Stags held the Pride to another
run-free inning in the top of the fourth, and the game was subsequently called, giving Fairfield a
14-3 victory and a sweep to start the season.
While Fairfield's offensive firepower and pitching depth were clear highlights, the day was also a
testament to the team's sportsmanship. From Graceffa volunteering to help Hofstra field a full
lineup, to first baseman Ella Devaney '29 stopping play to tie a Hofstra player's cleat, the Stags
set the tone not just with their bats, but with their class.
Graceffa praised the team's focus and chemistry in the season opener. "Each and every girl
came ready to play today, and it showed in the final scores," Graceffa said. "We played like a
team that had been together for years, which really highlighted our on- and off-field chemistry.
I'm beyond excited to see what the rest of the season holds."
Her Co-President, Kate Wiehe '27, echoed the sentiment. "I'm really excited for this team's
potential," said Wiehe. "We came out prepared for our first game which earned us the win, but
I'm looking forward to what this team can do moving forward. We've got a great group of girls
that are all eager to play and full of talent. Regardless of any scores, that's the best way to
start."

Fairfield Club Softball leaves the series undefeated as they head into a home conference
matchup against the University of New Haven this Sunday, part of the university's Alumni and
Family Weekend.