ONEONTA, NY — The SUNY New Paltz softball team traveled to Oneonta this afternoon for a SUNYAC doubleheader and split with the Red Dragons. The Hawks dropped the first game 8-3 before claiming the nightcap 3-2 in the bottom of the seventh.
In the first game, New Paltz took a 2-0 lead in the top of the second before Oneonta responded with six runs in the bottom of the inning. The Red Dragons added to their lead with two runs in the third and New Paltz finished the scoring with one run in the sixth. Melyssa Cilmi went two for two from the plate to lead the offense. Junior Michelle Reinke took the loss on the mound, allowing eight runs on eleven hits and striking out eight batters in six innings.
In the nightcap, the Hawks trailed 2-1 heading into the bottom of the seventh. Christina Charvat walked and advanced to second on a single by Joelle Von Bischoffshausen. Gina Marano was walked to load the bases. With two outs, first year Victoria Kyle stepped to the plate and reached on an error by the Oneonta second baseman to score Charvat and Von Bischoffshausen and claim the victory. Dale Cornelius and Von Bischoffshausen each went two for three from the plate. Junior Kelly O’Hea earned the win on the mound, striking out five batters and allowing eight hits in a complete game.
The Hawks advance to 10-16 on the season and 3-7 in conference play. The team will return to action Wednesday afternoon when they travel to Plattsburgh.
