Box Score Ithaca, NY (5/2/14)- The Utica College softball team fell in its opening game at the Empire 8 Conference Tournament Friday, losing to top-seeded Ithaca College 3-0.
 
Utica struggled to get anything going, as the Pioneers had just one hit through the first five innings.  UC added a hit in each the sixth and seventh, but it was not enough as the Bomber defense did not allow a single run.  Sophomore Alysa Russell (Mechanicville, NY/Mechanicville) led the way for the Pioneers going 2-for-2 at the plate while Cassie Smith (Delmar, NY/Bethlehem Central) was 1-for-3. 
 
All three Ithaca runs were unearned as the Pioneers committed three errors on the day.  Sophomore Abby Monroe (Watertown, NY/General Brown) gave up eight hits and struck out three in six innings of work, while her counterpart, Sam Bender had five strike outs in the win.
 
Ithaca had three players with two hits each including Francesca Busa, Monica Capolongo, and Jessie Fleck.  Julianne Vincent and Rachel Dell'Orto also had hits.  Ithaca improves to 22-11 on the year and the Bombers will take on Alfred University at 4 p.m. Friday.  Utica drops to 21-11 on the year.  The Pioneers will now take on No. 2 Stevens Institute of Technology in the elimination game at 2 p.m.


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