University of Albany Softball splits doubleheader with Hartford

West Hartford, Conn. – Amber Maisonet and Nicole Kothe scored two runs apiece to lead UAlbany to a 6-2 win over Hartford in the first game of an America East Conference softball doubleheader on Saturday afternoon. Hartford claimed the second game by a score of 1-0, in an eight-inning pitcher’s duel.

UAlbany (23-12, AE 11-2) recorded a three-run fourth inning in the early game, as first baseman Leanne Tillman led off the frame with a walk. Tillman advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Kat Smith and scored on a Hartford error, which also allowed Kothe to reach base safely. Maisonet drew a walk and stole second before Andrianna Walraven knocked an RBI single to score Kothe. Maisonet scored the third run of the inning on a wild pitch by the Hawks’ Brittney Stratton.

The Great Danes added a single run in the fifth inning on a lead-off homer by Meagan Butsch, her fifth of the season. UAlbany added two more runs in the top of the sixth frame, loading the bases with a walk by Kothe and back-to-back singles by Maisonet and Walraven. Michelle Connors (Shenendehowa) singled up the middle to drive in Kothe and Maisonet.

UAlbany pitcher Marissa Powell, who improved to 9-7 on the season, took a no-hitter into the seventh inning before giving up solo home runs to Jackie Simonetty and Kristen Cericola. Powell fanned seven opposing batters in her complete-game performance. Stratton took the loss for Hartford, striking out four over six innings before being relieved in the seventh by Amanda Farnan.

Stratton recorded an eight-inning no-hitter in the second game to lead the Hawks to their extra-inning victory. Right fielder Amanda Sais broke up a scoreless tie by knocking a two-out, RBI single to left to score pinch runner Kayla Demarest and give Hartford (16-15, AE 5-8) the win.

UAlbany hurler Leah McIntosh took a no-hitter into the final frame before giving up three hits. McIntosh struck out a career-high 13 batters over 7.2 innings.

The two teams will meet in the series finale on Sunday, beginning at 12 p.m.

-agate-

UAlbany 000 312 0 - 6 8 1

Hartford 000 000 2 - 2 2 1

UAlbany: Marissa Powell and Kat Smith.

Hartford: Brittney Stratton, Amanda Farnan (7) and Lindsey Anrico.



UAlbany (23-12, AE 11-2) 000 000 00 - 0 0 0

Hartford (16-15, AE 5-8) 000 000 01 - 1 3 0

UAlbany: Leah McIntosh and Kat Smith.

Hartford: Brittney Stratton and Lindsey Anrico.