CLINTON, NY- The Utica University softball team dropped a non-conference doubleheader at local rival Hamilton College on Wednesday as the Pioneers fell 8-2 and 7-6. Senior
Kaitlyn Paul (Albany, NY/Guilderland) was a bright spot on the day for the Pioneers as she was 5-for-7 over the two games.
Utica 2, Hamilton 8- Game One Final
Hamilton scored in each of the first three innings to take a 4-0 lead heading into the fourth. Utica cut the deficit in half with one run in both the fourth and fifth innings.
Kylie Murray (Eastchester, NY/Eastchester ) got the Pioneers on the board in the top of the fourth as she hit a double to center field to score
Lauren Paul (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland). A solo home run by
Emily Joss (South Glens Falls, NY/South Glens Falls) brought the Pioneers within two heading into the bottom of the fifth.
Hamilton shifted the momentum back into its favor with a pair of runs in the fifth and sixth to come away with the game one win.
Joss was 2-for-4, while
Kaitlyn Paul (Albany, NY/Guilderland) was 2-for-3.
Brooke Catlin (Brewerton, NY/Central Square High School),
Lauren Paul (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland), and
Taylor Kraft (Loudonville, NY/Shaker ) each finished with one hit in game one.
Murray finished with four strike outs in the loss, while Teagan Graham and Natalie Beebe combined for three strike outs in the win for the Continentals.
Utica 6, Hamilton 7- Game Two Final
Hamilton kept the bats alive in game two as the Continentals took a 4-0 lead after one inning of play. Utica responded in the second with a solo home run by senior
Kaitlyn Paul (Albany, NY/Guilderland). The Pioneers evened the score in the top of the third thanks to RBIs from
Abigail Sacks (Colonie, NY/Colonie) and
Kaitlyn Paul (Albany, NY/Guilderland).
Hamilton once again took the lead in the bottom of the third and stretch its lead to 7-4 after four innings of play. With two outs in the top of the sixth,
Abriana Wadley (Utica, NY/Proctor) hit a clutch single u the middle with the bases loaded to drive in
Kaitlyn Paul (Albany, NY/Guilderland). Then just one batter later,
Brooke Catlin (Brewerton, NY/Central Square High School) drove in
Taylor Kraft (Loudonville, NY/Shaker ) to bring the Pioneers within one.
Hamilton's defense held strong as it forced three straight outs to hold on for the win.
Kaitlyn Paul (Albany, NY/Guilderland) was 3-for-4 in game two, and had a chance for the cycle. While also driving in three runs and scoring two herself. Wadley was 2-for-4, while Catlin,
Lauren Paul (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland), Sacks, Kraft, and
Erica Sanford (Boonville, NY/Adirondack) each had one hit.
The Pioneers wrap up their season Thursday as they host Keuka College. First pitch is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
