UMBC

Amanda Fefel set a new freshman record with her 11th home run of the season.

Stony Brook, N.Y.-First baseman Amanda Fefel hit a two-out home run in the top of the sixth inning to break a 1-1 tie and lift the UMBC softball team (29-14, 12-6 America East) to a three-game sweep over host Stony Brook (26-17, 10-7 America East) with a 2-1 victory Sunday afternoon at University Field. The Retrievers’ 12 America East victories set a new school record, surpassing last season’s 11.

Fefel’s homer, her 11th of the season, sets a new record for UMBC freshmen. The previous record of 10 was set by all-time home run leader Kristie Pickeral in 2002. It is the second historic home run for a Retriever hitter in as many days, as senior Melanie Denischuk moved into second place all-time with her 30th career round-tripper on Saturday.

Starting pitcher Ashley Gray improved to 12-6 on the season with another brilliant outing. She allowed just one hit, a leadoff double, and three walks while striking out four in the seven-inning complete game. She retired eight straight batters early in the game and the last seven to end it.

Gray improves to 7-3 against conference opponents, tying Lauren Nicholson’s record for most America East victories in UMBC history, set last season.

The Retrievers took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when second baseman Dana Shepherd walked with one out, stole second and scored on a double by Denischuk.

The Seawolves tied the score in the bottom of the inning on a double by left fielder Ashley Westphal, a sacrifice bunt and an RBI groundout by center fielder Kelsey Fanelli.

The score remained 1-1 until Fefel’s home run in the top of the sixth.

Sarah Hoffman (13-7) took the tough-luck loss for Stony Brook after allowing two runs on five hits and four walks while striking out four. She also retired eight straight batters at one point in the game.

UMBC remains in second place in the America East standings, but move a game and a half ahead of Stony Brook and Hartford and two and a half up on Albany with three games remaining.

The Retrievers return to action next weekend when they host Hartford in the final series of the regular season, Saturday and Sunday at UMBC Softball Stadium.