Softball Knocks Off Bryant, 15-2
BOX SCORE
SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Marking the squad's 11th straight road game, the University at Albany softball team led from start to finish Tuesday afternoon at Conaty Park, topping Bryant University 15-2. With the non-conference victory, the Great Danes improved to 27-11 on the season, while the Bulldogs fell to 6-28 overall.
“I was really pleased with how the offense responded after a long weekend and a long stretch of games on the road,” said Head Coach Chris Cannata. “I know we were tired, but we didn't show it on the field at all. I think we are all pretty happy to be off the bus for these next couple of weeks and finally getting to play at home.”
At the plate, UAlbany took advantage of 11 hits and 11 walks in the win. Junior Mackenzie Cleary (3-for-3, 3 RBIs) and freshman McKenzie Bump (3-for-4, 2R) led the way with three hits apiece.
In the circle, sophomore Devin Durando (13-5) earned the win, limiting Bryant to two runs and six hits, while striking out three.
In the top of the first, the Great Danes took a 3-0 head start on sophomore Donna Conrad's two-run double and Cleary's RBI two-bagger to left.
UAlbany made it 6-0 in the second as junior Liz Snow belted a three-run home run, marking her eighth blast of the season.
In the fourth, the Great Danes extended their lead to nine, plating three more runs. Bump led off the frame with a double to right-centerfield, and senior Maggie Cocks, Conrad, and senior Lindsey Haskell drew walks, bringing in Bump. Cleary capped the inning with a two-run double through the right side.
Bryant put two runs on the board in the bottom of the fourth, stringing together three hits and a sac fly, making the score 9-2.
However, UAlbany broke the game wide open in the fifth, batting around the order to score six insurance runs. Patient at the plate, the Danes used four walks, a hit by pitch, and back-to-back RBI singles by sophomore Jules Holbert and freshman Courtney Courtade to take a 15-2 advantage.
Bryant's Brandi Burgin (0-4) took the loss, allowing six runs and six hits in 1.2 innings of work.
Up next, UAlbany opens a seven-game home stand, starting with a key three-game conference series against Maine Saturday and Sunday at Alumni Field.
