NEW PALTZ, NY — The SUNY New Paltz softball team earned a split in a non-conference doubleheader with Russell Sage this afternoon.
In the first game, Russell Sage junior pitcher Kristin Hazelton (Greenville, NY) threw a complete game and went 3-for-4 with four runs batted in lead the Gators to a 7-5 victory. The Hawks touched up Hazelton in the first and junior first baseman Liz McPartlan (Huntington Station, NY) had a two-run triple in the bottom of the first to highlight a three-run first for SUNY New Paltz.
Hazelton however rebounded and allowed just two runs and four hits the rest of the way to pace the Gators. At the plate she capped off a five-run third for Russell Sage (3-5) with a three-run double to put her team in front 5-3.
SUNY New Paltz (8-8) trailed 6-4 in the bottom of the sixth before McPartlan drove in her third run of the game to pull the Hawks within a run. However, with the Gators leading 6-5 in the top of the seventh, Hazelton gave herself some breathing room with an RBI single to make it a two-run game. On the mound she allowed eight hits, walked three and struck out three.
Freshman Michelle Reinke (St. James, NY) was the losing pitcher in game one. She threw seven innings and allowed eight hits with three walks and four strikeouts.
McPartlan was 2-for-3. Sophomore right fielder Amy O’Brien (LaGrangeville, NY) was 2-for-4 with two runs scored and freshman designated hitter Emily Nyman (Islip, NY) was 2-for-4.
In game two, SUNY New Paltz capitalized on two Russell Sage errors in the bottom of the seventh to win the game 2-1. With one out in the inning and the game tied at one, senior center fielder Jen Born (Walworth, NY) reached second on a throwing error by the pitcher. Then freshman left fielder Joelle Von Bischoffhausen (North Brunswick, NJ) reached on an error by the shortstop that allowed Born to come home with the winning run.
Freshman Kelly O’Hea (Huntington Station, NY) turned in a strong effort on the mound. In seven innings, she allowed seven hits, walked one and struck out four. Nyman was 2-for-3 with an RBI double in the third.
