George Mason University’s softball team secured a 6-4 win over Hampton University at the GMU Softball Complex on April 21. The Patriots improved their record to 24-20 overall and 9-9 in the Atlantic 10 Conference, while Hampton fell to 10-30 overall and 4-17 in the Colonial Athletic Association.
The game was highlighted by a decisive three-run sixth inning for George Mason, which proved crucial despite being out-hit by Hampton, who recorded twelve hits compared to seven from the Patriots. The Patriots took an early lead in the first inning after Tess Altevers Harris walked and later scored on a single by Elyssa DeRosa. Kaleigh Friend added another run with a single through the right side, making it 2-0.
In the third inning, Logan Pickford singled and stole second base before scoring on a triple by Altevers Harris—her tenth career triple—which extended George Mason’s lead to three runs. Hampton responded in the fourth with Carmynn Bonner scoring on a double play.
Hampton narrowed the gap further in the sixth when Bonner doubled and scored on Violet Salazar’s double. However, George Mason answered with three runs of their own during that frame: Jessica Chan scored as a pinch runner following Alyssa Hopkins’ single; Kamryn Inman drew a bases-loaded walk; and Payton Auerbach drove in two more runs with her single.
The seventh inning saw Hampton score two unearned runs off Bonner’s single but ultimately fell short as George Mason held onto its lead. Harlowe Nigh pitched five innings for George Mason, allowing one earned run while striking out four batters—a season high—and earning her third win of the year. Abbey Lane closed out the game over two innings for her second save this season.
Tess Altevers Harris contributed offensively with both a triple and an RBI while drawing a walk, demonstrating her impact at bat. Payton Auerbach also made key contributions by driving in two runs during critical moments of play.
George Mason is scheduled to face Howard University next at home on Wednesday, April 22.
