TIFFIN, OH – The Alfred University softball team fell in the opening game of the three-game series of the NCAA Division III Softball Super Regional Championships to the host institution, the Student Princes of Heidelberg University, 5-1 Friday evening at Frann's Field.

Sophomore first base Sophia Chiavatti (Tustin, CA/Foothill) batted seventh for the Saxons and was a perfect 3-3 on the day with a double. Alfred's lone run was scored by junior shortstop Nicole Maher (Newark, DE/Caravel Academy) in the bottom of the fourth when she doubled to left field and then was sent cross home plate by junior catcher Jasmine Picini (Alexandria, VA/West Potomac) singled up the middle.

With Picini on first in the fourth, Chiavatti hit a single down the right field line, advancing Picini to third. Freshman left fielder Shannon Schaefer (Westfield, NJ/Westfield) then smacked what appeared to be the game-tying hit to center field but was unfortunately snagged by the Student Princes' outfielder for the third out of the inning.

Freshman Kerri Keeler (Jamesville, NY/Jamesville-DeWitt) pitched all seven innings, giving up 12 hits and being credited with five earned runs for her first loss of the season. Her record now stands at 16-1 as she struck out eight batters during Friday's matchup.

The Saxons need to win both of Saturday's games to continue onwards to Salem, VA. Game times are slated for 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm but are also subject to change depending on the weather.