Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 Utica, NY (4/19/14)- The Utica College softball team split its Empire 8 Conference double-header Saturday afternoon, winning 7-4 before falling 7-3 in the second game.  Senior Meghan Matan (Latham, NY/Shaker) had an impressive outing, going 5-for-6 on the day with two runs scored. 

The Pioneers move to 14-7 overall and 3-3 in the Empire 8 while Elmira moves to 7-11 and 2-6 in the conference.  UC has now split its last three E8 series. 
 
Utica 7, Elmira 4- Game One Final
The Pioneers jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the first inning behind a leadoff home run from senior Chelsea Monroe (Watertown, NY/General Brown).   Next up, a two-RBI single by Cassie Smith (Delmar, NY/Bethlehem Central) drove in Meghan Matan (Latham, NY/Shaker) and Courtney Fitzgerald (Albany, NY/Colonie Central). 

The Soaring Eagles got one run back in the second inning, but it was short lived as Fitzgerald crushed a sky rocket over the left field wall, scoring three runs. An error in the fifth inning resulted in Matan scoring from third to cap off the Utica scoring.  Sophomore Abby Monroe (Watertown, NY/General Brown) gave up three earned runs and struck out six in five innings of work, before classmate Erica Colucci (Glenville, NY/Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) stepped in to close the game.  Colucci allowed just two hits in the final two innings to seal the victory. 

Matan was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate, while Fitzgerald was 2-for-2 and Smith was 2-for-3.  Chelsea Monroe (Watertown, NY/General Brown), Christy Traglia (Mohawk, NY/Mohawk), Alysa Russell (Mechanicville, NY/Mechanicville), Kassidy Ogren (Albany, NY/Colonie Central), and Taylor Ellis (Willet, NY/Greene) each had one hit.  Russell's single extended her hitting streak to a career-best 17 games, before it was snapped in the second game of the day. 

Fitzgerald now has 20 career home runs, just one shy of the program record of 21 set by Abby Drew '09.  She is also just one RBI shy of tying 2013 graduate Mallory Ingalls (Oriskany, NY/Oriskany) for third on the College's career RBI list.  Matan surpassed Ingalls for third on the all-time hits list.  She currently has 151 hits as a Pioneer. 
 
Utica 3, Elmira 7- Game Two Final
The Soaring Eagles exploded for five runs in the second inning behind a solo home run from Katie Day, followed by a grand slam by Katie Dore.  The Pioneers were able to muster two runs in the third inning as Christy Traglia (Mohawk, NY/Mohawk) hit a two-RBI double to score Chelsea Monroe (Watertown, NY/General Brown) and Taylor Ellis (Willet, NY/Greene). 

Neither team scored again until the seventh inning as Elmira added two insurance runs in the top half of the frame.  UC threatened in the bottom inning with the bases loaded and only one out, but the Pioneers were only able to plate on run.

Ellis was 3-for-3 at the plate in game two, while Matan was 2-for-3.  Chelsea Monroe (Watertown, NY/General Brown) and Traglia were each 2-for-4 and Courtney Fitzgerald (Albany, NY/Colonie Central) also had a hit.  Erica Colucci (Glenville, NY/Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) gave up six earned runs in seven full innings, while her counterpart, Emilie Rogers struck out six to move to 4-1 on the year.

The Pioneers return to action Monday as they travel to Nazareth College in Empire 8 action.  Game one of the double-header is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m.



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