The SUNY New Paltz softball team split with Potsdam in a conference doubleheader Saturday afternoon as they fell 4-3 in the first before winning the nightcap 8-0. The Hawks advance to 13-15 on the season and 5-9 in SUNYAC play.
In the first game, New Paltz totaled seven hits and left six on base as Melyssa Cilmi and Tori Kyle each finished 2-for-4. Justine Scutaro added a hit and two RBI while Rose Dovi and Dale Cornelius each registered a hit. First year Alyssa Oliva took the loss in the circle as she allowed four runs (two earned), four hits, two walks and struck out four batters in six innings of work.
The Hawks trailed 2-0 before scoring all three runs on four hits in the fifth inning. Cornelius singled and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Jordan Paley. Cornelius moved to third on a passed ball with two outs and scored on an RBI single by Cilmi. Cilmi moved to second a single by Kyle and both runners advanced a base on a passed ball. With runners on second a third, Scutaro hit a two run RBI to complete the scoring and take the 3-2 lead. Potsdam regained the lead in the sixth inning on a two run homer and shutdown the Hawks in the seventh.
New Paltz, rebounded in the second game and earned the 8-0 victory in five innings. Devon Kelly allowed four hits with three strikouts for her fifth win on the mound this season. Cilmi finished 2-4 with two RBI and Scutaro went 2-2 with two runs scored. Sam Barra and Cassie Barcavage each went 2-3 and Jenna Curcio, Victori Holm and Kelly each added a hit for the Hawks.
New Paltz scored their first run in the second inning on an RBI groundout by Jacqueline Masseo and doubled their lead to 2-0 in the third on an RBI single by Kelly. The Hawks tallied four runs on three hits and one error in the fourth inning. Barcavage singled and advanced to third on a bunt and an error. With runners on second and third Cilmi hit an two run RBI double. With two outs and runners on first and second Barra hit and RBI double before the Bears registered the final out. New Paltz completed the scoring in the fifth on and RBI double by Holm and a single RBI by Cilmi.
The Hawks return to action on Wednesday April 15th when they travel to Oneonta for a 3pm start.
