UTICA, N.Y. — Keuka College Softball split the games in a pair of conference matchups on Thursday afternoon. The Wolves won the first game 9-6 but fell to the Pioneers 11-1 in game two.
Keuka College (11-16, 4-6 Empire 8) had two players post three hits on the day.
Olivia Flynn recorded three hits and two RBIs on the day, while also hitting her first career home run.
Emily VanDelinder also found success at the plate for Keuka, with three hits and one run scored.
Keuka College 9 – Utica University 6
The Pioneers found their way onto the board first, scoring in the bottom of the first inning. However, the Wolves were ready for a strong second frame. Keuka quickly loaded the bases after drawing two walks and a double from
Grace Eagen.
Hali Jenner then drew a third walk, giving Keuka their first run of the game. After a pitching change, another walk brought in the second run.
Emily Cutrona and
Olivia Flynn each singled to bring in two additional Keuka runs. Finally,
Hailey Jasinski hit a deep foul ball to get the runner to tag up and score. After an inning and a half of play, the Wolves were up 5-1.
While Utica earned a run back in the third, the Wolves were ready to respond.
Olivia Flynn got things started with a single and Jasinski reached first on a fielder's choice play right after. With two runners on,
Makenna DeMoney hit a single up the middle to bring Flynn home to score.
The game went on without a run until the bottom of the fifth, where the Pioneers scored three runs to bring the game within one run. The game went into the final two innings, with the Wolves up 6-5.
The top of the sixth began with two walks to give Keuka two baserunners.
Emily VanDelinder put the ball in play and reached on a fielder's choice play. The play moved Jasinski over to third and she was able to score on a throwing error. Utica answered with a run in the bottom of the sixth to bring the game back within a run.
Lauren Gilbert got things started to start the seventh, with a single through the right side and advanced to second on a passed ball.
Haley Mascho moved Gilbert to third on a sacrifice bunt. Next,
Olivia Flynn reached first on a throwing error, which also brought Gilbert home. Jasinski then doubled to bring Flynn around the bases for another Keuka run. The game went into the final half inning, with the Wolves up by three. Pitcher
Olivia Flynn and the Keuka defense kept the Pioneers off the board to end the game. The Wolves won game one 9-6.
Utica University 11 – Keuka College 1
The Pioneers were the first to score in the second game, going up 3-0 after three full innings. In the top of the fourth,
Olivia Flynn hit a solo home run to get the Wolves on the board.
Utica continued to control the game from the plate and went on to score eight unanswered runs. The Pioneers won game two 12-1.
Up Next for Keuka College: The Green and Gold will return to their home field on Saturday, April 25 to play a set of conference games against St. John Fisher. The games are set for a 1 p.m. start.
