UMaine Softball Edges Out Husson in Thrilling 2-1 Victory

Madison Hand's game-winning homer in the 5th inning lifts the Black Bears over the Eagles in Orono.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:53am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting various perspectives of a softball game, with players and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in a cubist style.A cubist interpretation of the dramatic softball action between UMaine and Husson, capturing the intensity and energy of the close game.Binghamton Today

In a nail-biter at the Labat Complex, the University of Maine softball team defeated Husson University 2-1 on Wednesday night. The game was highlighted by Madison Hand's go-ahead home run in the bottom of the 5th inning, which proved to be the difference maker. Both teams are now preparing for their next matchups this week.

Why it matters

This victory is an important confidence boost for the UMaine softball team, which has struggled to a 10-27 record so far this season. The win over in-state rival Husson, who entered the game at 21-4, shows the Black Bears can compete with top teams in the region. The game also featured strong pitching performances and dramatic late-inning heroics, providing an exciting spectacle for fans.

The details

UMaine took a 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning when Keira Inman tripled and scored on a delayed steal. Husson tied it up in the 4th on an Emily Dunbar solo homer, but Maine's Madison Hand delivered the game-winning blast in the 5th to make it 2-1. Alysen Rieth started for the Black Bears, going 4 innings, while Ava Zettlemoyer picked up the win in relief. Husson's Ana Lang took the loss despite a strong 11-strikeout performance.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, April 15th.
  • UMaine will host Binghamton in a conference series on April 18-19.
  • Husson will host UMaine Farmington in a doubleheader on April 18th.

The players

Keira Inman

A UMaine softball player who tripled and scored the team's first run.

Madison Hand

The UMaine softball player who hit the game-winning home run in the 5th inning.

Ana Lang

The Husson softball pitcher who took the loss despite a strong 11-strikeout performance.

Ava Zettlemoyer

The UMaine softball pitcher who came in relief and picked up the win, striking out 6 batters.

Emily Dunbar

The Husson softball player who hit a solo home run to tie the game in the 4th inning.

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What they’re saying

“This was a huge win for our team. We've been working hard and it's great to see that effort pay off against a tough opponent like Husson.”

— Madison Hand, UMaine Softball Player

What’s next

UMaine will look to build on this victory when they host Binghamton in a key conference series this weekend, while Husson prepares to take on in-state rival UMaine Farmington.

The takeaway

This thrilling one-run game between two of Maine's top softball programs provided an exciting showcase of the talent and competitiveness within the state. The Black Bears' ability to pull out the win against the Eagles, who entered the game with a strong 21-4 record, demonstrates their potential to compete with the best teams in the region.