Utica, NY (April 29, 2009) - The Utica College softball team (14-22) lost both ends of a double header against visiting Union College (25-5) at Greenman Field Wednesday afternoon. UC led 1-0 after two innings in game one, but surrendered a grand slam in the third, and they could only must two more runs in the final four innings as they dropped an 8-3 decision. Game two was all Dutchwomen as they came out firing with ten runs in the first two innings en route to an 11-0 run-rule victory in five innings. Senior Abby Drew went 3-for-4 with two RBIs in game one, while sophomore Kim Martin totaled four hits and two runs score on the day for the Pioneers.

With the pair of losses the Pioneers dropped to 14-22 overall and they have now lost 12 of their last 14 games. Union has now won eight straight and improved to 25-5 overall headed into two key Liberty League match ups against RPI and St. Lawrence this weekend.

In game one the Pioneers jumped out to a 1-0 lead after Abby Drew ripped a single to center field which scored leadoff batter Kim Martin to put Utica in the driver's seat to open the contest.

Union answered with five runs in the top of the third, sparked by a grand slam from Alexandra King after two singles and a fielder's choice loaded the bases for the Dutchwomen.

After a scoreless fourth inning, Union tacked on one more run in the top of the fifth to take a 6-1 lead, before the Pioneers were able to mount one final surge in the bottom half of the inning. Drew and sophomore pitcher Kristin Levin each tallied an RBI for UC in the bottom of the fifth to cut the Union lead in half, 6-3, with two full innings to go.

The Dutchwomen kept the pressure on by scoring two more in the top of the sixth and pitcher Ginni Sack kept the Pioneers at bay over the course of the final two innings on her way to her 11th victory of the season.

Union set the tone early in game two by scoring a combined ten runs in the first two innings, including a devastating nine run second stanza. The Dutchwomen used six hits and three errors in the second to take complete control of the contest. Bridget Graham went 2-for-3 with three RBIs and one run scored in game two, while six other players tallied at least one RBI for Union in game two. Four Dutchwomen had a multiple hit contest, including Graham, Lauren Hoffman, Megan Kaknis and Alexandra King. King finished out game two with a game-high three hits, two runs scored and one RBI.

Tiffany Ippoliti struck out two batters in her ninth victory on the mound for Union.

Utica wraps up its 2009 campaign Thursday when they host RPI in a non conference contest at Greenman Field. The first pitch is slated for 3:30 p.m.

--- www.ucpioneers.com ---