MARCY, N.Y. – The SUNYIT Softball Team (5-11, 3-1 NEAC) swept the Wells Express (0-4, 0-4 NEAC) on Friday afternoon, 10-0 and 8-1. The Wildcats' first home games of the year, the team now sits at 3-1 in conference.
SUNYIT wasted no time in the first game, scoring in all four of their at-bats before the game was called following the top of the 5th due to the 8-run rule.
Jessica Patterelli (Canastota, N.Y. / Canastota) started on the mound for the Wildcats and was excellent, surrendering just 2 hits in her 4 scoreless innings while striking out 6. Patterelli was relieved in the top of the 5th by Bridget Ashmore (New Hartford, N.Y. / New Hartford), who took down the visitors 1-2-3 to end the game, striking out two.
For the Express in game one it was first baseman Karley Raczynski coming up with both of the Express's two hits, including a double.
In game two SUNYIT again got on the board early. After surrendering a run in the top of the first, the Wildcats bounced back with 4 in the bottom frame before adding two more in the second for a 6-2 lead. It would be all the cushion they'd need as Fallon Reinold (Holland Patent, N.Y. / Holland Patent) was solid on the mound, pitching 4 innings and allowing just 1 run and 3 hits while striking out 4. Ashmore again came on in relief and finished out the game with 3 scoreless innings.
Though SUNYIT would not need it, Patterelli supplied a little extra breathing room with a huge triple over the head of the centerfielder in the bottom of the 6th, which plated runners from first and second. Patterelli had a monster game at the plate in the nightcap, going 2-for-3 with a game-high 4 RBI.
The Wildcat pitcher Reinold was equally excellent at the plate. She finished the day 4-for-6 with 2 RBI and 4 runs scored, including a shot to the fence in right center for a leadoff triple in the second game, starting a 4-run frame for the Wildcats.
Also turning in a great offensive day was Kierston Albertson (Kirkville, N.Y. / East-Syracuse Minoa). The rookie outfielder went 3-for-5 while drawing a few walks, and finished with 4 RBI and 4 runs scored.
Several people played well on a day in which the Wildcats banged out 19 hits, but in addition to SUNYIT's usual suspects at the top of the lineup, first baseman Erika Charbonneau (Boonville, N.Y. / Adirondack) had an outstanding all-around day. Batting out of the 6-spot in the lineup, the lefty Charbonneau finished 3-for-5 on the day with an 1 RBI and a run scored. Among Charbonneau's hits was a deep line drive to right-center field that fell for a double. The sophomore also made an excellent full-extension diving catch in the field during the second game, springing to her right to snag an Express line drive.
The Wildcats will now have a rematch with their opponent of just a few days ago, SUNY Cobleskill, this time at home. The doubleheader is slated to kick off tomorrow at 1 pm.