University of Albany Softball Splits Non-Conference Doubleheader with North Florida - UAlbany Sports

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Jacksonville, Fla. – Junior pitcher Leah McIntosh struck out 13 opposing batters in a complete-game performance to lead UAlbany to a 1-0 win over North Florida in the first game of a non-conference doubleheader at the UNF Softball Complex on Wednesday afternoon. In the nightcap, senior catcher Ashley Battaglia went 2-for-3 with an RBI to lead the Osprey’s to a 4-1 win.

The Great Danes broke a scoreless tie in the third inning of game one, recording the only run they would need. Sophomore Kristine Bill recorded a base hit up the middle and advanced to second when Michelle Connors drew a walk off North Florida pitcher Devyn Findlay. Meagan Butsch also walked to load the bases for UAlbany. Findlay struck out Gina Mason, but then followed by issuing a walk to Jessica Bergin, sending Bill home.

North Florida had a scoring opportunity in the bottom of the sixth inning, as centerfielder Ariana Godwin made it to third on a single back to the pitcher by Kara Rutenbar. McIntosh got first baseman Caroline Torre swinging to work her way out of the inning. She then struck out two of four batters faced in the final frame to seal the win for the Great Danes.

UAlbany struck early in the second game, scoring one run in the top of the first. Bill, who was walked during her at bat, advanced on the base path and was brought home as three straight UAlbany batters were hit by pitches. The Ospreys responded in the bottom of the second inning, as Torre scored a single run on a fielding error.

Battaglia recorded her first RBI of the game in the third frame, driving in Godwin with a single to center field to give North Florida the one-run lead. The Great Danes were unable to capitalize on a scoring opportunity in the fourth as designated hitter Stephanie Talerico knocked a double to right center. Freshman pitcher Shaina Dent fanned Kat Smith to end the inning.

The Ospreys scored two insurance runs in the sixth inning, as Rutenbar got things started with a lead-off hit. She advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Torre and advanced to third on a passed ball. Freshman second baseman Amanda Moseley then knocked a two-RBI double to left center, scoring Rutenbar and Bailey, who walked earlier in the inning.

Dent tossed a complete-game, striking out three and allowing three hits for North Florida (4-10). Junior Marissa Powell fell to 1-3 on the season with four strikeouts over six innings of work.

UAlbany (4-3) will return to action on Friday as they take part in South Florida’s “The Game” Tournament in Tampa.

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UAlbany 001 000 0 - 1 3 1

North Florida 000 000 0 - 0 3 1

UAlbany: Leah McIntosh and Kat Smith.

North Florida: Devyn Findlay and Ashley Battaglia.



UAlbany (4-3) 100 000 0 - 1 3 3

N. Florida (4-10) 011 002 x - 4 7 0

UAlbany: Marissa Powell and Kat Smith.

North Florida: Shaina Dent and Ashley Battaglia.