Softball Drops Two At Cornell In Midweek Twin Bill
BOX ONE I BOX TWO
ITHACA, N.Y. – The University at Albany softball team had its eight-game win-streak snapped Wednesday afternoon at Niemand Robison Field, falling to Cornell 6-3 and 14-2 in a five-inning nightcap. The Great Danes now have a 21-10 overall record, while the Big Red improved to 6-20 on the season.
“Today was one of those days that we just need to put behind us,” said Head Coach Chris Cannata. “We weren't really doing anything well and we didn't make many adjustments as the day went on.”
In game one, Cornell built a 2-0 lead, scoring a run in the first and one in the second before the Danes got on the board with a run in the third. UAlbany loaded the bases as freshman McKenzie Bump drew a leadoff walk and seniors Kelly Costello and Maggie Cocks line back-to-back singles. Bump scored on a two-out fielding error, but Cornell hurler Maddie Orcutt was able to get herself out of the jam.
In the bottom of the third, the Big Red tacked on four runs for a 6-1 advantage, including a two-run home run by Kim Dolhon.
UAlbany got one run back in the fourth, as freshman Sarah Petzold led off with a single up the middle and scored on a two-out fielding error at second.
Looking to rally in their final at-bats, Liz Snow led off with a single to center for the Great Danes and sophomore Donna Conrad knocked her home with an RBI triple. However, that would be the final run of the contest, as Orcutt closed out the contest.
Orcutt (3-8) earned the win, allowing three runs (one earned) and nine hits, while striking out one in the complete game.
For UAlbany, sophomore Devin Durando (12-4) took the loss, getting charged with two runs and five hits, while striking out one in the opening 2.0 innings. Caitlin Cooper tossed the final 4.0 frames, allowing four runs (three earned) and three hits, striking out two.
Offensively, Costello (2-for-3), Cocks (2-for-4) and Conrad (2-for-4) led the Danes at the plate.
In the nightcap, Cornell's bats exploded for 14 runs, scoring three in the first inning and 11 in the second. The Big Red totaled 17 hits in the five-inning game, including seven for extra bases.
Freshman Celeste Verdolivo (8-4) took the loss, while the Big Red's Meg Parker (3-8) earned the complete-game win, holding UAlbany to two runs and two hits, while striking out two.
“We need to learn a lesson from today quickly and bounce back for tomorrow's games,” added Cannata.
On the Thursday, the Great Danes travel to take on cross-town rival Siena for a doubleheader starting at 3:00 p.m.
