UTICA, NY- The Utica College softball team looks to carry its momentum into a rematch against Skidmore College on Friday. UC fell to the Thoroughbreds last Friday in Florida and will seek revenge this time around. First pitch of the double header is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. in Saratoga Springs.
LAST TIME OUT: Utica is coming off a sweep over cross-town rival, SUNY Poly on Wednesday… The Pioneers held on for a 4-3 victory in game one, before rallying for a 9-1 run-rule victory in the second game… Seniors Alyssa Russell,
Stephanie Siriano (Sauquoit, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherrill), and
Cassie Smith (Delmar, NY/Bethlehem Central), as well as freshman
Nicole Rice (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville South) each had three hits on the afternoon… Smith led the way with four RBI, while Siriano scored three runs and Russell added a home run… Senior
Abby Monroe (Watertown, NY/General Brown) totaled seven strikeouts and added her first career home run in the game two victory, while freshman
Shannon Cool (Herkimer, NY/Herkimer) struck out one in her second win of the season.
QUEST FOR 300: Senior
Abby Monroe (Watertown, NY/General Brown) needs just two more strikeouts to reach 300 for her career… She currently holds the program's all-time record for wins (42) and strikeouts (298) … She is currently second in the E8 with 45 strikeouts and she ranks fifth in ERA (1.21).
CATCH HER IF YOU CAN: Senior
Alysa Russell (Mechanicville, NY/Mechanicville) has racked up eight stolen bases through the first 14 games… She is currently tied for fourth all-time in stolen bases (34) and needs just two more to move into third place all-time… Russell is 26-for-26 on steal attempts since 2014… The short stop currently has 19 home runs, and needs just two more to move into a tie for second place on the College's career list.
LEADING THE WAY: Senior
Stephanie Siriano (Sauquoit, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherrill) leads the team with a .308 batting average, among players with at least 15 at bats… She is tied for the team lead with three doubles and has driven in four runs… Classmate
Cassie Smith (Delmar, NY/Bethlehem Central) has a .275 average with a team-high nine RBI and she also boasts a 1.000 fielding percentage.
FRESHMAN FITTING IN: First year player
Nicole Rice (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville South) has started off strong in her freshman campaign… Rice is fourth on the team with a .262 average… She is tied for the team lead with three doubles and she has added five RBI and two steals.
SCOUTING SKIDMORE: The Thoroughbreds are currently 5-7 after their 12-game spring training trip to Florida… They are led by Dani DeGregory, who has a .444 batting average and ten runs scored… Amanda Carilli has compiled a 3.38 ERA and four wins in the circle… Utica fell to Skidmore 9-0 last week… Siriano, Russell, and Rice had hits for the Pioneers.
LOOKING AHEAD: The Pioneers return home Wednesday to host Union College in non-conference action… Game time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
