KISSIMMEE, FL - The Utica University softball team split its second outing down in the Sunshine State this evening. The Pioneers fell in game one to Catholic University by a score of 6-5, before taking down DeSales University by a score of 12-4 in a five inning rout.
Game One: Utica, 5 Catholic, 6
Utica put up a strong offensive showing with nine hits, led by Lauren Paul (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland), who went 2-3 with two runs scored and a walk. Kylie Murray (Eastchester, NY/Eastchester) contributed two RBIs on two hits, including a double, while Erica Sanford (Boonville, NY/Adirondack) also drove in two runs.
On the mound, Lucia Gargiulo (Massapequa, NY/Massapequa) got the start, pitching three innings, allowing two runs on three hits, and striking out one. Kelly Thornton (Stanhope, NJ/Lenape Valley Regional) and Maggie Habernig (Kingston, NY/Kingston) each saw time in relief, with Thornton being tagged with the loss after giving up three earned runs in one inning of work.
Catholic took an early lead, scoring in the first and second innings before breaking things open with a three-run fourth. Utica rallied late, adding runs in the fifth and seventh innings but ultimately fell just short.
Game Two: Utica, 12 DeSales, 4
The Pioneers set the tone early, scoring in each of the first five innings while racking up 10 hits and drawing an impressive 11 walks. Lauren Paul (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland) led the offensive effort, going 3-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Meghan Paul (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland) contributed with a crucial two-RBI double, while Kylie Murray (Eastchester, NY/Eastchester) continued her all-around impact, going 2-2 with two runs scored, an RBI, and two walks. Brooke Beleza (Amherstview, Ontario/Jefferson Community College) chipped in with a solid 2-4 performance, adding an RBI to her stat line.
Murray not only excelled at the plate but also earned the win in the circle with a complete-game performance. She tossed five innings, allowing six hits and four unearned runs while striking out two and walking only two.
Utica jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the first inning and never looked back. A three-run second inning, highlighted by Meghan Paul's (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland) two-RBI double, extended the advantage.
DeSales managed to respond with four runs in the third, but the Pioneers quickly shut the door with a two-run third inning of their own, regaining control.
The Pioneers poured on three more runs in both the fourth and fifth innings, putting the game away via the eight-run mercy rule.
Defensively, Utica stayed sharp, with solid infield play led by Lauren Paul (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland) at second base and Beleza at shortstop. The Pioneers turned two key double plays to halt DeSales' offensive threats and showcased their ability to capitalize on defensive miscues, scoring multiple runs on errors by the Bulldogs.
Utica (2-2, 0-0 Empire 8) returns to action tomorrow, March 11 with another doubleheader slate. Game one against North Park University is set for 1:30PM, followed by game two against Penn State Berks which is set for 4:00PM.
