HAMBURG, N.Y. - Hilbert Softball closed out its 2026 season by splitting a doubleheader with Carlow on Saturday at FSSJ Field, battling in a tight opener before erupting for an impressive shutout victory in the nightcap.
The day also marked the final collegiate appearances for seniors
Emma Gionta,
Madison Esmond, and
Brenna Mulvaney, who each played key roles in the Hawks' performance.
Gionta capped her career in impressive fashion, combining for seven hits, five runs scored, and multiple extra-base hits across the doubleheader. Esmond's speed and presence at the top of the lineup, along with Mulvaney's steady defense, were key components of Hilbert's effort throughout the day.
Game 1
Hilbert came up just short in a 7-6 loss despite outhitting Carlow 10-6.
The Hawks jumped out early when Jazlyn Soliz delivered a two-run triple in the first inning, scoring
Grace Schwarzkopf and
Emma Gionta. Hilbert added three more runs in the third, highlighted by an RBI single from Gionta - part of her standout 4-for-4 performance - and run-producing hits from Schwarzkopf and
Vanessa Koenig.
After Carlow surged ahead with a four-run fourth inning, Hilbert answered to tie the game at 6-6, again with Gionta crossing the plate. Carlow ultimately pushed across the go-ahead run in the sixth.
Defensively, Soliz provided one of the day's top highlights, making a diving catch at shortstop and turning it into a double play with a heads-up throw to first to pick off the runner.
Game 2
The nightcap belonged to Hilbert from the start, as the Hawks rolled to an 8-0 5
th inning victory behind a dominant performance from
Stephanie Mirras. The sophomore tossed a complete game shutout, allowing just three hits while striking out six.
The Hawks' offense came alive with 15 hits, led again by Gionta, who went 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored. Schwarzkopf drove in four runs on three hits, while Soliz added three hits and an RBI. Esmond contributed with a hit and a stolen base, and Mulvaney drew a walk and handled her defensive duties at third in her final game.
The split moves Hilbert to 6-24 on the season, closing the year on a high note with a decisive win while honoring a senior class that left its mark on the program.
