HAMBURG, N.Y. – The Hilbert College softball team hosted their home opener today against Houghton University on the FSSJ Complex. The first game in the double header was a tight game which was decided in the 7th inning while the nightcap was finished in the fifth inning.
Game One: Hilbert 5 – Houghton 6
Game Two: Hilbert 1 – Houghton 11
Game One:
- Both teams started off the game strong earning two hits each and two runs each. Brittany McAndrews played the whole at pitcher for the Hawks and played well. In the bottom of the first Emma Gionta got on base with a double to right center field and was eventually brought home by Victoria Hanley who hit a single to left field.
- The second inning was played strong defensively by both teams allowing only one hit combined. In the third inning though Houghton took a 2-1 lead until the Hawks got up to bat and then they took a 3-2 lead. Emma Gionta hit a single to center field then Victoria Hanley stepped up and hit the first ever home run on the FSSJ Softball Diamond to give the Hawks the lead.
- Houghton answered back strong though in the top of fourth scoring three runs on four hits. Hilbert again though would continue to fight to stay in the game with another two run inning to tie the game. Makenna Smith reached first base on a fielder's choice and Mackenzie Catan hit a single to center field. Emma Gionta would then hit a double to left field and bring both runners in.
- In both the fifth and the sixth innings the Hawks were held hitless and they held Houghton to only two hits total. In the top of the seventh Houghton was able to score to take the lead and the Hawks came close but could not Tayler Avery home who was pinch running for Victoria Hanley to tie the game. The Hawks left two runners on base in the final inning and lost 6-5.
Game Two:
- Houghton led the game off strong earning two runs on two hits. The Hawks answered back though scoring their first and only run of the game with Victoria Hanley earning another RBI by bringing in Makenna Smith.
- Houghton again had a good inning offensively scoring one run but the Hawks were able to leave two of their runners stranded on base. The Hawks second inning saw them earn two hits with Makenna Smith hitting a double and Victoria Lakeman hitting a single.
- Houghton took over the game in the top of the third inning scoring five runs on six hits. Then in the fourth they managed to tack on three more runs. Hilbert in the same time was only able to earn one hit by Leandra Cruz who hit a double to left field.
- The Hawks held off the Houghton offense but needed to score four runs to keep the game going. Despite Brittany McAndrews and Mackenzie Catan hitting singles the Hawks were unable to earn anymore and could not keep the game going and it ended in the fifth inning.
Up Next
Next on the schedule for the Hilbert College softball team is a home double header against AMCC rival La Roche on Saturday April 15th at 1:00 and 3:00 PM.