KISSIMMEE, FL - The Utica University softball team fell in both of its matchups in its second to last day of competition in Kissimmee, FL. The team fell to St. Catherine by a score of 9-0, before falling to Otterbein, 3-1.
Game One: Utica, 0 St. Catherine, 9
The team struggled to find their rhythm, falling 9-0 to St. Catherine in a five-inning contest.
Despite the result, Rachel Little (Burbank, CA/John Burroughs) had a solid day at the plate, going 2-3. Brooke Beleza (Amherstview, Ontario/Jefferson Community College) added a double, while Meghan Paul (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland), Kylie Murray (Eastchester, NY/Eastchester), and Beleza each recorded a hit.
Utica's best scoring opportunity came in the second inning when Beleza doubled to lead off the frame. However, the Pioneers were unable to capitalize.
On the mound, Emily Lehane (Franklin Square, NY/H. Frank Carey) started for Utica, allowing three runs on three hits over one inning. Caroline Porter (Chittenango, NY/Chittenango) followed with three innings of relief, giving up four runs while striking out five. Murray closed out the game, surrendering two runs in two-thirds of an inning.
St. Catherine's offense proved relentless, scoring three runs in the first inning and steadily adding on throughout the contest. The Vikings combined for 12 hits and took advantage of key scoring opportunities to pull away for the win.
Game Two: Utica, 1 Otterbein 3
The Pioneers put up a strong fight but came up short in a hard-fought 3-1 loss to Otterbein in game two of today's doubleheader slate.
Lily Mazur (Rome, NY/Westmoreland) played a crucial role, reaching base twice and scoring the team's only run. Abigail Sacks (Colonie, NY/Colonie) brought Mazur home with a productive groundout to account for Utica's lone RBI. While hits were scarce, the Pioneers remained disciplined at the plate, drawing eight walks to create scoring chances.
On the mound, Kylie Murray (Eastchester, NY/Eastchester) delivered a determined performance, pitching a complete game while working around 12 hits and consistently finding ways to escape trouble. Her ability to limit the damage kept Utica within reach throughout the contest.
The Pioneers struck first in the third inning after Mazur reached on an error and advanced through heads-up baserunning before scoring on Sacks' RBI groundout. Otterbein responded with a run in the fourth and added two more in the later innings, taking advantage of key hits and a defensive miscue.
Despite their efforts, Utica couldn't capitalize on their scoring chances against the Otterbein pitcher, who allowed just one hit over six innings.
Utica (4-4, 0-0 Empire 8) will complete its sunshine state slate tomorrow, March 14 with its final Florida doubleheader. Game one against Saint Mary's is set for 9am, with game two against Lasell to follow at 2pm.
