NEWBURGH, NY — The SUNY New Paltz softball team traveled to Newburgh, NY to face Mount Saint Mary this afternoon in a doubleheader. The Hawks fell 6-1 in the opener, before claiming the nightcap 4-0.
In the first game, Mt. St. Mary scored four runs in the third and two in the sixth. The Hawks only run of the game came in the top of the seventh. First year Dale Cornelius was hit by a pitch to to start the inning. Classmate Erin Fitzpatrik doubled and sent Cornelius home. Melyssa Cilmi singled but the Hawks would come no closer. Mt St Mary struck out the next batter and then turned a double play to end the inning.
Kelly O’Hea took the loss on the mound, allowing nine hits, six runs, and striking out two.
In the nightcap, the game was scoreless until the fourth inning. Cilmi doubled and advanced to third on a single by Amalia DiTrapani. Gina Marano reached on an error by the left fielder and advanced to second. Cilmi and DiTrapani scored on the play.
The Hawks doubled their score with two runs in the top of the seventh. Fitzpatrick reached on a fielder’s choice, followed by senior Amy O’Brien reaching on an error by the second baseman and advancing to second, sending Fitzpatrick to third. Cornelius singled, batting in Fitzpatrick and O’Brien.
DiTrapani went two for three from the plate and Lauren Motzkin went two for four. Junior Michelle Reinke threw a complete game, allowing four hits and striking out eight.
SUNY New Paltz is 4-8 on the season and will return to action this weekend as they begin SUNYAC play. The Hawks will host the Geneseo Knights on Friday at 3:00 p.m., followed by the Brockport Golden Eagles on Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
