NEW PALTZ, NY — The SUNY New Paltz softball team opened the conference portion of its schedule with two hard-fought losses to Oneonta this afternoon.
The Red Dragons used strong pitching and timely hitting to take the first game 1-0 in eight innings. Oneonta sophomore Amy Herba (Johnstown, NY) threw a no-hitter and sophomore catcher Michelle Norwich (Mohawk, NY) singled home junior second baseman Rena Finsmith (Elmsford, NY) with two-out in the top of the eighth inning to bring home the winning run.
SUNY New Paltz (3-8, 0-2) had some early opportunities against Herba who walked five and struck out 11 in the game. The Hawks left six runners on base including four in the first three innings. Herba then retired the last 11 Hawks to raise her record to 3-2. She out dueled SUNY New Paltz junior Laura Thomas (Bay Shore, NY) who went the distance and allowed six hits.
In game two, SUNY New Paltz jumped out to a 1-0 first inning lead when sophomore first basemen Liz McPartlan (Huntington Station, NY) came up with a two-out single that scored senior designated hitter Lisa Taub (Greenlawn, NY).
Oneonta (8-6, 2-0) responded with two in the bottom of the second off SUNY New Paltz starter Carrie Briscoe (Stuyvesant, NY). Sophomore right fielder Jessica Slavin (Mohegan Lake, NY) had a run scoring double in the inning that gave the Red Dragons the lead for good.
Oneonta tacked on an unearned run in the top of the third and two more in the top of the fifth to open up a four run advantage. Senior Liz Scimeca (Sayville, NY) picked up the victory for the Red Dragons. She allowed three hits and walked one in seven innings.
Briscoe took the loss for the Hawks. She allowed five runs and six hits in six innings of work. McPartlan had two hits for the Hawks. Senior left fielder Val Blackman (Castle Creek, NY) was 1-for-2 at the plate for SUNY New Paltz.
