UTICA, NY- The Utica College softball team escaped with a pair of one-run victories over visiting Union College in non-conference action Wednesday afternoon.  The Pioneer pitching staff had an impressive showing as it combined for 16 strikeouts on the day. 
 
Utica 2, Union 1- Game One Final
After two scoreless innings, Utica was finally able to get on the board as Alysa Russell (Mechanicville, NY/Mechanicville) scored on a passed ball.  The Pioneers added another run just one inning later as a great delayed double-steal by Dominique Soto (Miller Place, NY/Miller Place) and Cassie Smith (Delmar, NY/Bethlehem Central) scored the eventual game winner.
 
Union was able to get one back in the top of the sixth, but the Pioneers held on for the victory.  Sophomore Brittany Meka (Averill Park, NY/Averill Park) allowed just three hits and struck out seven as she improved to 3-0 on the season. 
 
Russell, Nicole Rice (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville South), and Cassie Smith (Delmar, NY/Bethlehem Central) were each 1-for-2 at the plate, while Dominique Soto (Miller Place, NY/Miller Place) and Hayley Fredericks (Suffern, NY/Suffern) were 1-for-3. Dana Dolinko fanned three in six innings of work for the Dutchwomen.
 
Utica 3, Union 2- Game Two Final
Once again, the Pioneers broke things open in the third inning, this time off a pair of hits by freshman Nicole Rice (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville South) and senior Cassie Smith (Delmar, NY/Bethlehem Central).  With runners on first and second, Rice drilled a long ball to the center field fence that scored sophomore Rachel Baker (Schuylerville, NY/Schuylerville).  The very next batter, Smith launched a stand up double to left center to bring in both Russell and Rice. 
 
The score would stand at 3-0 headed into the final inning of play before the Ducthwomen made it interesting.  With two outs and runners on second and third, Union was able to plate its first run on a passed ball.  In the same at bat, the Dutchwomen scored on a wild pitch to bring the game within one. 
 
Then a ball hit into shallow left field gave the Utica defense trouble.  Shortstop Alysa Russell (Mechanicville, NY/Mechanicville) was able to make the catch and avoid dropping the ball, despite running into her own player to secure the final out.
 
Rice was 2-for-3, while Smith and Baker were each 1-for-2.  Senior Abby Monroe (Watertown, NY/General Brown) totaled nine strikeouts, one shy of her career-best, and freshman Shannon Cool (Herkimer, NY/Herkimer) picked up the save as she got the final two outs.
 
The Pioneers, winners of six straight, look to carry their momentum into a key match up with nationally ranked No. 12 St. John Fisher College in the Empire 8 Conference opener on Saturday.  Game one of the double header is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. in Rochester.