Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 Alfred, NY (4/6/13)- The Utica College softball team split an Empire 8 double-header Saturday afternoon at Alfred University.  UC defeated the Saxons 11-0 in the first game before falling 6-5 in game two.

Utica 11, Alfred 0- Game One Final

UC carried over its momentum from Friday as it picked up its third straight win and first conference victory of the season. The Pioneers exploded for 15 hits and junior Meghan Matan (Latham, NY/Shaker) had a season-best performance going 4-for-5 with five RBI.
Matan, Mallory Ingalls (Oriskany, NY/Oriskany) and Alysa Russell (Mechanicville, NY/Mechanicville) each hit home runs, to account for six of UC's 11 runs. 

Sophomore Courtney Fitzgerald (Albany, NY/Colonie Central) went 2-for-3 with one RBI, while Ingalls, Cassie Smith (Delmar, NY/Bethlehem Central), and Taylor Ellis (Willet, NY/Greene) each went 2-for-4 in the game.  Senior Dominique Carcone (Frankfort, NY/New Hartford) and Bridgette Plummer (Saratoga Springs, NY/Schuylerville) each added one hit.

Both pitchers held each team scoreless after three innings until Russell was able to break the deadlock with her solo shot to lead off the fourth.  UC added five runs in both the fifth and sixth innings to ensure the victory.

Freshman Abby Monroe (Watertown, NY/General Brown) struck out seven and allowed just five hits in her second straight shutout.  She now has a team-best 6-4 record and ranks second in the conference in wins. 

Alfred 6, Utica 5- Game Two Final


Utica took a 5-2 lead in the top of the sixth, but were unable to hold on as Alfred was able to score the winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning.  Courtney Fitzgerald (Albany, NY/Colonie Central) and Bridgette Plummer (Saratoga Springs, NY/Schuylerville) each had two hits, including a home run. 

Once again the teams were tied 0-0 going into the fourth inning, but this time it was a solo home run from Fitzgerald to open the scoring.  Plummer then padded the lead in the top of the fifth with a three-run blast of her own.  However, it was not enough as Alfred tallied three runs in the sixth and one in the seventh to earn the split.

Chelsea Monroe (Watertown, NY/General Brown) went 2-for-4 with one run scored, and Dominique Carcone (Frankfort, NY/New Hartford) also added a hit for the Pioneers. 
Despite outhitting the home team, and committing one less error, Utica dropped its eighth game of the season.

Freshman Erica Colucci (Glenville, NY/Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) struck out five in 4.2 innings of work.  Abby Monroe (Watertown, NY/General Brown) and Cassidy Thompson (Bend, OR/West Valley) combined for two strikeouts in the final two innings, with Thompson shouldering the loss. 

UC is now 12-8 on the season and 1-3 in the conference.  The Pioneers have ten home games next week, including four Empire 8 Conference games.  UC will kick off the week hosting cross-town rival, Hamilton College on Tuesday.  Game time is set for 5 p.m.


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