CLINTON, NY - The Utica University softball team collected its first doubleheader sweep of the season, taking down the Hamilton College Continentals in the team's final non-conference matchup, by a score of 7-5 in game one and 3-0 in game two.
Game One: Utica, 7 Hamilton 5
The Pioneers used a big fourth inning to seize control and held off a late push from Hamilton to secure the win in the opener.
After falling behind 1-0 in the third, Utica responded with a five-run fourth inning, capitalizing on defensive miscues and timely hitting. Alexis Scott (Binghamton, NY/Chenango Forks) tied the game with an RBI walk before Kari Graziano (Kinderhook, NY/Ichabod Crane) delivered a sacrifice fly to give Utica the lead. Mya Strong (Hudson Falls, NY/Hudson Falls) followed with a two-run single, and Alexa Thompson (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) added an RBI knock to cap the rally and make it 5-1.
Utica added insurance in the sixth, as Strong drove in another run with a single before later scoring on a passed ball to extend the lead to 7-1.
Strong led the offense with a 2-for-2 performance, driving in three runs and reaching base four times. Scott, Thompson, and Meghan Paul (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland) each added hits, while Utica drew nine walks as a team to keep pressure on Hamilton pitching.
In the circle, Maggie Habernig (Kingston, NY/Kingston) earned the win, helping Utica navigate a late surge from Hamilton. The Continentals scored twice in both the sixth and seventh innings, but the Pioneers were able to close it out and secure the 7-5 victory.
Game Two: Utica, 3 Hamilton 0
In the nightcap, Utica rode dominant pitching and a clutch fourth inning to complete the sweep.
After three scoreless frames, the Pioneers broke through in the fourth. Meghan Paul (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland) started the rally with a single before Alexa Thompson (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) drove her in with an RBI double. Madeline Waddell (Riverside, CA/Riverside Polytechnic) followed with an RBI single, and Eden Resch (Stillwater, NY/Stillwater) capped the inning with an RBI double to give Utica a 3-0 advantage.
Utica totaled four hits in the contest, with Thompson, Waddell, Resch, and Paul each recording one. Thompson and Resch each tallied doubles, while all three RBIs came from Thompson, Waddell, and Resch.
Kari Graziano (Kinderhook, NY/Ichabod Crane) was dominant in the circle, tossing a complete-game shutout. She allowed just two hits over five innings while striking out five and working around two walks to keep Hamilton off the board.
Utica (5-9, 0-0 Empire 8) opens conference play by taking on the Hartwick College Hawks on Saturday, March 28. First pitch of game one from Oneonta, NY is set for 2pm.
