UAlbany Softball Splits Non-Conference Doubleheader With Marist

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Marissa Powell recorded a complete-game victory and freshman Taryn LaColla scored on a throwing error to lead UAlbany to a 4-3 extra-inning win over Marist in the second game of a non-conference doubleheader. Marist won the early game, 6-5.

In the nightcap, neither team was able to score until the seventh, when Marist plated a pair of runs in the top of the frame. Right fielder Jessica Green homered to left to drive in centerfielder Pamela de la Llave, who recorded a lead-off single to start the inning. The Great Danes responded in the bottom of the frame to extend the game, as third baseman Meagan Butsch knocked a triple to right center to drive in pinch runner Kristine Bill. UAlbany tied the game three batters later as senior Leanne Tillman hit an RBI single to send Butsch home.

Marist (11-17) regained the lead in the top of the eighth, as McCallion Campbell, who started the inning on second by way of the international tiebreak rule, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a fielding error by Powell. UAlbany turned a double play to end the inning, as shortstop Melissa Giordano grounded back to the pitcher, who flipped the ball to first baseman Gina Mason. Mason gunned down Alanna Woody at third to get the third out.

UAlbany’s Nicole Kothe, who was placed on second to start the bottom half of the inning, tied the game at 3-3, scoring on a passed ball. LaColla entered the game to pinch run for Andrianna Walraven, who was hit by a pitch during her at bat. LaColla advanced to second on a passed ball and managed to get to third on the same play. She came off the bag on a two-out pitch by Megan Rigos and scored on a throwing error by the catcher to end the game in UAlbany’s favor.

Powell struck out four opposing batters to earn the win, improving to 3-6 on the season. Rigos took the loss for Marist after relieving Caitlin Carpentier, who fanned seven in 7.1 innings of work.

UAlbany held a 4-2 lead in the top of the seventh inning in game one before de la Llave drove a grand slam over the centerfield fence to put Marist up, 6-4, in the final frame. UAlbany attempted a rally in the bottom half of the inning, led off by a solo homer by Jessica Bergin, but the Great Danes were unable to score any other runs.

Marist took the first lead of the game in the top of the second on a solo shot by Kate Molloy. UAlbany scored two runs in the bottom of the third to get in front and added a pair in the fourth on a two-run homer by Mason to take a 4-1 advantage. Molloy scored again for Marist in the fifth, leading off with a double and scoring on a groundout by Woody.

Sophomore Leah McIntosh went 5.1 innings in the circle, fanning nine and allowing the first two runs. Freshman Brittany Rose took the loss for the Great Danes in relief. Rigos struck out six in a complete-game performance for Marist.

UAlbany (11-10) will return to action on Wednesday, hosting non-conference opponent Iona in a doubleheader starting at 2:30 p.m.