Softball Sweeps Thursday With Wins Over Rider And Bucknell

BOX ONE  I  BOX TWO

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The University at Albany softball team gutted out two wins Thursday afternoon at the Rebel Spring Games, edging out Rider, 1-0, and Bucknell, 4-2. With the triumphs, the Great Danes improved their record to 12-7 on the season.

In game one, junior Caitlin Cooper (1-2) tossed a gem, allowing just two hits and a walk, while striking out six in the complete-game shutout.

“Cooper did a great job in the circle for us today and kept us in the game,” said Head Coach Chris Cannata. “We swung the bats like a tired team and I didn't see any of the explosiveness that I have seen all week. We scratched out one run early and she made it stand.”

Offensively, UAlbany totaled seven hits led by junior Samantha Broking's 2-for-3 day.

The Great Danes scored the lone run of the contest in the bottom of the first, as senior Maggie Cocks reached on a two-out error at short and advanced to second on a wild throw. Freshman Chelsea Henige followed with a run-scoring double down the right field line for a 1-0 advantage.

UAlbany threatened with base runners in four of the next five innings, leaving seven stranded in the game. However, it turned out the Danes didn't need any insurance runs thanks to the squad's defensive performance.

Rider's Megan Ailand took the loss, allowing an unearned run and three hits in two innings of work.

In the nightcap, a second pitcher's duel ensued with freshman Celeste Verdolivo in the circle for UAlbany.

Bucknell broke the scoreless stalemate in the bottom of the third, stringing together a trio of singles for a 1-0 lead.

However, the Great Danes got it back in the fourth on junior Mackenzie Cleary's two-out solo blast over the left field fence.

In the fifth, the Bison threatened, putting runners on first and third with one out. However, Verdolivo worked her way out of the jam with a strikeout, followed by a groundout to third, capped by a run-saving pick by Cleary at first base.

“Cleary had a big home run for us and saved the game with a huge defensive play,” added Cannata.

In the seventh, freshman Jennie Polak sparked UAlbany's rally with a single to centerfield. With two outs, Lindsey Haskell singled back to the pitcher, setting up freshman McKenzie Bump's game-winning three-run home run to left for a 4-1 advantage.

Bucknell managed a run in the bottom of the inning, as Chaylen Andolino led off with a single and Meghan Kovac lined a run-scoring double to left. However, that would be it as Verdolivo forced a long fly ball to left to end the game.

Verdolivo (4-2) earned her fourth win of the season, holding the Bison to two runs and seven hits, while striking out six in the complete game.

Dana Nielsen took the loss for Bucknell, allowing four runs and seven hits, striking out four.

Cleary led UAlbany at the plate, going 2-for-3 in the victory.

“We responded a lot better in the second game and got another good performance in the circle by Celeste,” said Cannata. “With Mackenzie Cleary's big home run and huge defensive play, as well as freshman McKenzie Bump's clutch three-run homer with two outs, we have been getting contributions from different people in every game and that's a good sign for us.”

UAlbany closes its time at the Rebel Games Friday, taking on Bucknell again in a doubleheader beginning at 9 a.m.