Softball Captures Series With Twin Bill Sweep Over UMBC
BOX ONE I BOX TWO
ALBANY, N.Y. – The University at Albany softball team rallied back from Saturday's one-run loss to overcome UMBC 11-6 and 1-0 Sunday afternoon at Albany Field. With the series win, the Great Danes improved to 18-9 overall and 4-2 in the America East, while the Retrievers fell to 17-14 on the season and 7-2 in conference play.
In game one, UAlbany's offense caught fire, totaling 12 hits and 11 runs, as Vicky McFarland, Maggie Cocks, Liz Snow, and Marlin Solano each recorded two hits in the contest.
The Great Danes jumped out to a 5-0 lead, scoring two runs in the second on Snow and Kelly Costello's back-to-back home runs over the left field fence, and three runs in the third. McFarland led off with a double to left-center, Alexa Toole laid down a bunt single, and Cocks followed with a two-run scoring double down the left field line. With two outs, Cocks came around to score on Solano's RBI single through the right side.
In the fourth, UMBC rallied to take the lead briefly, scoring six runs on three hits and an error. With one out, the Retrievers loaded the bases on a walk and two singles. A fielding error let in one run and a hit by pitch let in another before Taylor Hall belted a double to right field, scoring two more. A sac fly and a wild pitch plated the final two runs of the frame, giving UMBC a 6-5 advantage.
However, those would be the visitors' final runs of the clash. UAlbany tied it up in the bottom of the fifth when Cocks and Snow ripped back-to-back double to open the inning.
In the sixth, the Danes batted around the order to score five runs, using two bases loaded walks and Solano's three-run scoring double to center.
Out of the pen, Mackenzie Thompson (4-2) earned the win, holding UMBC to one hit and no runs, while striking out one in the final 3.2 innings. Freshman Devin Durando tossed the opening 3.1 frames, allowing six runs (three earned) and three hits, while striking out five.
UMBC's Nicole Casagrand (1-3) took the loss, getting tagged for six runs and six hits in 3.2 innings of middle relief.
In game two's pitcher's duel, UAlbany scored the lone run of the game in the bottom of the first. McFarland led off with a triple down the right field line and Toole immediately followed with a sacrifice fly to right.
UAlbany starter Erynn Sobieski (6-3) earned the shutout victory, holding the Retrievers to just four hits and a walk, while striking out five.
Jessica Holte (10-6) took the loss, allowing one run and five hits, striking out three in six innings.
Offensively, the Danes recorded five hits led by McFarland's 2-for-3 performance.
Up next, the Great Danes host four non-conference midweek games, taking on Colgate for two starting at 3 p.m. on Tuesday and Cornell for a doubleheader on Wednesday.
