Softball Rallies For Wins Over Valpo, South Dakota
VALPO BOX I USD BOX
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – The University at Albany softball team rallied for two wins Saturday at the Rebel Games, overcoming Valparaiso 6-5 in eight innings, and South Dakota 8-4 after a six-run seventh inning. With the victories, the Great Danes improved to 8-7 on the season.
In game one, UAlbany took a 3-0 lead after the first two frames, scoring one in the first on Marlin Solano's RBI double to center that plated Alexa Toole, and two in the second on Jess Tate's two-run blast over the left-centerfield fence.
Valpo answered with two runs in the third, scoring on a failed pickoff at third and on an infield groundout.
However, the Great Danes got one back in the bottom of the inning, as Toole drew a leadoff walk, stole second and scored on Solano's RBI single through the right side. UAlbany made the score 5-2 in the fourth on Maggie Cocks' RBI double down the left field line, bringing in Kayla Bailey who reached on a single to left.
Cutting the margin to one, 5-4, in the fifth, the Crusaders brought in two on Tarah McShane's single up the middle. They then tied the score in the top of the seventh, as Kaitlyn Ranieri led off with a triple to the centerfield gap and scored on an overthrown ball to first.
UAlbany was unable to get anything going in the bottom of the seventh, but after reliever Devin Durando held off Valpo in the top of the eighth, the Great Danes ended the game, scoring on a wild pitch. Starting at second base, pinch runner Jules Holbert advanced to third on Tate's sacrifice bunt and scored when Valpo reliever Mollie Lindeman's pitch skipped in the dirt and to the backstop.
The Danes totaled nine hits in the game led by Elizabeth Snow's 3-for-4 effort and Solano's 2-for-4 performance.
Durando earned her first of two wins on the day, throwing a perfect final inning. UAlbany starter Erynn Sobieski tossed the opening seven innings, allowing five runs (three earned) and seven hits, while striking out four.
In the nightcap, South Dakota jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first, stringing together a single, double, and triple.
UAlbany tied it up in the third on Toole's two-run homer over the left field wall that also brought in Vicky McFarland.
In the fifth, the Coyotes took the lead on Allie Daly's RBI triple with two outs, making the score 6-5.
Down to their final three outs in the top of the seventh, UAlbany batted around the order, rallying for six runs. Snow led off with a double down the left field line and Bailey followed with an infield single. Intentionally walking McFarland to load the bases, Toole was hit by a pitch, bringing in one, and Cocks took advantage with a two-run scoring single to right. With one out, the rally continued as Kelly Costello ripped an RBI single to right, Mackenzie Cleary's misplayed groundball brought in a run, and Caitlin Cooper doubled to left field, making the score 8-3.
South Dakota looked to answer, but managed just a solo home run by Katie Dinning before UAlbany recorded the final two outs of the game.
Cocks (3-for-4), McFarland (2-for-2) and Costello (2-for-4) piloted the Danes at the plate. UAlbany totaled 13 hits in the victory.
In the circle, Durando (5-1) threw the complete game and earned the win, allowing four runs and eight hits, while striking out nine.
The Great Danes have Sunday off before returning to action Monday against St. Peter's at 10 a.m. and Wisconsin-Green Bay at 2:30 p.m.
