Athletics News and Press Releases

March 22nd, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jen Steele
(413) 585-3076

Smith Softball Drops Two Games

Fort Myers, FL: The Pioneers lost their first two games of the season, falling to Union College 8-0 and Grinnell College 4-1. With the losses, the Pioneers are currently 5-2 on the season.

Against Union College, the Pioneers were unable to capitalize in pushing any runs across the board. The Dutchwomen scored all eight runs in the bottom of the fifth inning when they strung together six hits and took advantage of one error and two walks. Although the Pioneers were able to collect 7 hits, they were unsuccessful with runners in scoring position. Smith was led by senior centerfielder Sara Watson (Kent, WA) who went 2-2, senior second baseman Amber Bourque-Laycsak (Tinley Park, IL) who went 2-3, and sophomore Kate Schoenen (Ellicott City, MD) who went 1-1 with a sacrifice bunt and a walk. Senior pitcher Katie Maroney (Santa Clarita, CA) took the loss for the Pioneers, who gave up 8 hits.

In the second game of the afternoon, the Pioneers took a 4-1 loss to Grinnell College. The Pioneers jumped on the board first when sophomore Niki Banton (Shaver Lake, CA) reached first on a fielder’s choice and Bourque-Laycsak laid down a bunt and advanced Banton to second. First year pitcher Emily Hiltzik (Long Island, NY) connected on a hard single up the middle, scoring Banton. However, the Grinnell battled back, scoring one run each in the third and fourth and then an additional two in top of the sixth to secure the victory. Smith was led by Hiltzik who was 2-3 with 1 RBI. Hiltzik also took her first loss for the Pioneers, giving up eight hits, tallying 3 strikeouts.

The Pioneers will take the field again Thursday, March 23rd when they face the University of Chicago and Plymouth State University.

..................................................................................................................................................................................