HAMBURG, N.Y. – Hilbert College Softball hosted La Roche University on Friday in an AMCC doubleheader that featured 57 total runs as both offenses started the day and hot continued to score throughput. The Hawks dropped the opener, 17–13, before falling 18–9 in game two despite strong offensive performances across the lineup.
The opening game featured a back‑and‑forth battle that saw both teams trade momentum swings throughout all seven innings. La Roche jumped out early with eight runs in the top of the first, capitalizing on a mix of timely hits and defensive miscues. Hilbert quickly settled in and began chipping away, responding in the bottom half with
Shelby Schimek's RBI double. The Hawks continued to claw back into the game over the next few frames, highlighted by a massive seven‑run fourth inning.
Jazlynn Soliz delivered the big blow during the rally, driving a bases‑loaded single into center field that cleared the bags and brought the Hawks within striking distance.
Emma Gionta and
Grace Schwarzkopf each added run‑producing at‑bats as Hilbert briefly pulled ahead, 11–10, midway through the contest.
La Roche regained control in the fifth and sixth innings, taking advantage of extended innings to rebuild a multi‑run cushion. Hilbert remained aggressive at the plate down the stretch, posting runs in the seventh, but the Redhawks were able to close out the 17–13 decision. Hilbert finished the opener with 17 hits, led by Soliz (3‑for‑5, two RBI), Schimek (3‑for‑5, two RBI), Esmond (3‑for‑5, RBI), and Gionta (2‑for‑3, two RBI).
Game two followed a similar tone offensively, with both teams producing double‑digit hits, but La Roche again struck first and often. Hilbert answered early, scoring in the first and third innings to keep pace before breaking through with a four‑run fifth.
Vanessa Koenig sparked the rally with a three‑RBI double to right field, bringing the Hawks within a run. Later in the same inning,
Emma Gionta added an RBI double, and
Madison Esmond drove in a run to keep the game within reach.
The Redhawks responded with a decisive surge in the sixth and seventh innings, plating runs in bunches to pull away. Despite the deficit, Hilbert continued to compete until the final out, tacking on a pair of runs in the sixth and adding traffic on the bases late. Esmond finished game two 2‑for‑3 with a walk and two runs scored, while Soliz, Schimek, and Gionta each recorded multiple hits. Hilbert totaled 11 hits in the nightcap, with Koenig driving in three runs.
UP NEXT:
The Hawks remain home as the team hosts SUNY Brockport on Monday at 3 pm.
