ALFRED, NY – The Utica University softball team dropped both ends of an Empire 8 doubleheader on Friday afternoon against Alfred University, falling 10-6 in game one and 10-1 in five innings in game two.
Game One: Alfred 10, Utica 6
The Pioneers put together a strong offensive showing, totaling 12 hits and mounting a late comeback effort. Meghan Paul (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland) led the charge with a home run and a triple, driving in four runs, while Kari Graziano (Kinderhook, NY/Ichabod Crane) collected three hits. Mya Strong (Hudson Falls, NY/Hudson Falls) added two hits and scored twice, and Kadyn Hartel (West Henrietta, NY/Rush Henrietta) chipped in a two-RBI single.
Utica broke through in the third inning as Paul tripled to bring home Strong, but Alfred responded with a four-run bottom half, highlighted by a two-run double and a two-run home run to take a 5-1 lead.
The Pioneers made their push in the sixth inning, plating five runs to take a 6-5 lead. Hartel delivered a two-run single before Paul launched a three-run homer to cap the rally. However, Alfred answered immediately in the bottom half with five runs of their own, including a three-run home run, to regain control and secure the win.
Game Two: Alfred 10, Utica 1 (5 innings)
Utica was limited to just three hits in the contest, with Mya Strong (Hudson Falls, NY/Hudson Falls) driving in the team's lone run in the fifth inning. Kadyn Hartel (West Henrietta, NY/Rush Henrietta) and Lila Gray (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill) also recorded hits, while Alexis Scott (Binghamton, NY/Chenango Forks) scored the lone run for the Pioneers. Kari Graziano (Kinderhook, NY/Ichabod Crane) took the loss in the circle, while Caroline Porter (Chittenango, NY/Chittenango) provided relief down the stretch.
Alfred jumped out early in the nightcap, scoring four runs in the first inning and adding another in the second to take control. A three-run home run in the opening frame and aggressive baserunning helped the Saxons build momentum early.
Alfred put the game out of reach with a five-run fourth inning, highlighted by another two-run home run. Kari Graziano (Kinderhook, NY/Ichabod Crane) took the loss in the circle, while Caroline Porter (Chittenango, NY/Chittenango) provided relief down the stretch.
Utica (11-14, 6-5 Empire 8) returns to action tomorrow, Saturday, April 18 as the team remains on the road to take on the Houghton University Highlanders in a doubleheader. First pitch of game one is set for 11am from Houghton, NY.
