UTICA, NY (April 18, 2009) - The Utica College softball team (12-16, 3-7 Empire 8) dropped two games against visiting Ithaca College (18-10, 7-1 Empire 8) in an Empire 8 Conference double header at Greenman Field Saturday. The Pioneers lost game one 13-0 in five innings, before falling 14-6 in five innings in game two. Senior Rinae Olsen went 2-for-5 at the plate with one double and four RBIs for the Pioneers. Claire Gerlach also went 2-for-5 with two runs scored and one RBI. UC led 6-4 headed into the bottom of the fourth in game two, but they allowed ten runs combined in the fourth and fifth innings as they lost by eight runs.

The Pioneers, who have now lost six in a row and eight of their last nine games, were out hit 30-8 and outscored 27-6 over the course of two games.

In game one UC allowed 12 runs in the first two innings as the Bombers cruised to a run-rule shortened, five inning, victory. Britany Lillie and Brooke Kithcart combined to pitch five innings of one-hit ball for the Bombers. Ithaca totaled 17 hits and 13 runs en route to its 17th win of the season.

In game two the Pioneers combined for six runs in the third and fourth innings to take a 6-4 lead into the bottom of the fourth. Rinae Olsen drove in Claire Gerlach and Kristin Levin to account for two runs in the top of the third. Gerlach roped an RBI single in the fourth inning, followed by Olsen's two-RBI double to give UC their only lead of the day, 6-4.

Ithaca knotted the score at 6-6 in the bottom of the fourth inning and then tacked on eight runs in the bottom of the fifth as they cruised to the five inning, run-rule, victory.

The Pioneers return to action Monday when they host Skidmore College in a non conference night game at Greenman Field. The first pitch is set for 5 p.m.

--- www.ucpioneers.com ---