Softball Splits Non-Conference Doubleheader Against Dartmouth; Kothe Blasts Grand Slam

Hanover, N.H. - Nicole Kothe blasted her first career grand slam in leading UAlbany to a 9-2 victory over Dartmouth in the first game of a non-conference softball doubleheader on Wednesday, April 21 at Sachem Field. The Big Green defeated the Great Danes in game two, 6-3, to salvage the split.

In game one, UAlbany scored six times in the top of the second inning after Dartmouth tallied the first run in the opening frame. An error by the shortstop allowed the tying run to come across before Diane MacDowell smacked a single through the left side to put the Great Danes ahead. Batting with the bases loaded, Kothe hit her second home run in as many games to give the visitors a five-run cushion.

UAlbany, which is playing its last 12 games of the regular season on the road, padded its lead by tacking on one run in the fifth and sixth innings. Jessica Bergin hit an RBI triple to right center in the fifth, while MacDowell drove in the team's eighth run when she reached on a fielder's choice play.

The Big Green scored an unearned run in their half of the sixth to cut the lead to six, but that was as close as they would come. Katie Wambold singled in the top of the seventh to plate Lindsey Stout, and the hosts went down in order in the bottom half of the frame to end the game.

UAlbany's Marissa Powell picked up the victory and improved to 6-9 overall. She surrendered four hits and one run while fanning seven in five innings of work. The senior was relieved by Allie Weiser, who allowed a hit and an unearned run in two innings. Dartmouth's Kat Hicks, who lasted two innings, took the loss and fell to 1-6 this spring. She gave up two hits, six runs, including four earned, and issued two walks. Evan Gray, who threw five innings in relief, surrendered five hits and three runs, including two earned. She struck out three batters.

After three scoreless innings, the Great Danes broke loose by plating three runs in the top of the fourth of the nightcap. Hitting with runners on first and second and one out, Kat Smith singled through the left side to score Michelle Connors and advanced to second on the throw. After the next hitter fanned, a throwing error by the shortstop on a ball hit by Andrianna Walraven allowed two more runners to come home.

Dartmouth (12-21) used three home runs, including back-to-back blasts, in the bottom of the fifth to fight back and take a two-run lead. Kirsten Costello blasted a three-run homer to knot the score before Rachel Hubert's solo shot over the fence on the next play put the Big Green ahead. Two batters later, Molly Khalil went yard to make it a 5-3 game. Another Big Green home run in the sixth sealed the final outcome.

UAlbany's Leah McIntosh suffered the loss and dropped her record to 5-5. She fanned six batters while allowing eight hits and six runs. The senior issued only one walk. Dartmouth's Hillary Barker boosted her record to 6-8 by striking out seven batters and allowing three hits and three runs, including one which was earned.

UAlbany (15-19) returns to America East action when it visits Stony Brook this weekend. The teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday, April 24, beginning at 1 p.m., and a single game on Sunday, April 25 at 12 p.m.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information