KISSIMMEE, FL- The Utica College softball team dropped its final two games in Kissimmee, FL on Saturday, losing to Skidmore College 9-0 and then falling to nationally ranked No. 7 Luther College 2-0.
 
Utica 0, Skidmore 9 (5 Inn.)- Game One Final
The Thoroughbreds jumped out to a 9-0 lead in the first three innings and never looked back as they won their fifth game of the year.  Seniors Stephanie Siriano (Sauquoit, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherrill) and Alysa Russell (Mechanicville, NY/Mechanicville) as well as freshman Nicole Rice (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville South) each had hits for the Pioneers. 
 
Russell picked up her eighth stolen base of the season, moving her into a tie for fourth place on the College's career steals list (34). Sophomore Sabrina Stransky (Miller Place, NY/Miller Place) and freshman Shannon Cool (Herkimer, NY/Herkimer) combined for one strikeout in the loss.
 
Utica 0, #7 Luther 2- Game Two Final
The Pioneers took the seventh ranked Norse to the final inning before Luther was able to plate two runs in the top of the seventh to come away with its ninth win of the season.  Luther Freshman Samantha Bratland allowed just four base runners as she registered a no-hitter.
 
Senior Abby Monroe (Watertown, NY/General Brown) had another strong showing in the circle as she fanned seven batters and did not give up an earned run in her third complete game of the season. She now has 31 strikeouts on the year, which is tied for second in the Empire 8 Conference.  Monroe is also fifth in the E8 with an ERA of 1.38.
 
Utica wraps up its spring training trip with a record of 3-9.  Four of the Pioneers' losses came by just one run.  UC will return to action Wednesday as it hosts cross-town rival, SUNY Poly in its 2016 home opener.  First pitch of the double-header is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.