Winter Haven, Fla. — The SUNY Old Westbury softball team split Friday's doubleheader at the DiamondPlex Complex, falling to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls,
9-0, in game one before bouncing back to shut out Hartwick College,
10-0, in game two.
GAME ONE: Wisconsin-River Falls 9, Old Westbury 0
Wisconsin-River Falls struck early with two runs in the first inning before breaking the game open with a seven-run third inning. The Panthers were unable to answer offensively as the Falcons closed out the shutout victory.
Despite the loss, Old Westbury showed patience at the plate and some defensive fight. The Panthers drew three walks in the contest and turned a double play defensively. Old Westbury also limited Wisconsin-River Falls to just seven hits, despite the nine runs.
Ashley Pierce recorded the Panthers' lone hit of the game, finishing 1-for-1 at the plate. Aliya Feerick, Yelina Arias, and Madison Muehling each drew a walk, while Muehling also helped turn the Panthers' double play defensively.
GAME TWO: Old Westbury 10, Hartwick 0
After a scoreless first two innings, the Panthers broke through in the third with three runs to take control of the game. Old Westbury added another run in the fourth before erupting for six more in the sixth inning to seal the win.
The Panthers showed several positives in the victory, producing 10 runs on seven hits while taking advantage of six Hartwick errors. Old Westbury was also aggressive on the basepaths, finishing with four stolen bases, and played clean defense with no errors in the field.
Jessica Feerick and Ashley Pierce led the Panthers offensively with three RBI each. Jessica Feerick went 1-for-3 with a triple, one run scored, and three RBI, while Pierce finished 1-for-4 with a home run, one run scored, and three RBI. Aliya Feerick added a strong all-around performance, going 2-for-4 with one RBI, two runs scored, and two stolen bases.
Amanda Varela and Phylicia Cangemi each scored two runs, while Katie Knecht and Arianna Valle also crossed the plate. Yelina Arias added a hit, and Olivia Toto chipped in a stolen base as part of the Panthers' all-around effort.
In the circle, Olivia DeRose helped lead the shutout effort as Old Westbury held Hartwick scoreless on five hits.
What's Next?
Old Westbury will now prepare for a Skyline Conference doubleheader against Yeshiva University on March 29 at 6:00 p.m. at Flowers Park.
