Softball had a tough week, splitting with SUNY Brockport, losing to St. John Fisher College and splitting with Medaille College.
In their first game against SUNY Brockport on Tuesday the Yellowjackets scored two runs in the first inning. Brockport then took the lead at 3-2 and both teams were held scoreless until the sixth inning.
It was then that junior Jena Robertson tied the game with a home run and gave the team hope of a comeback, but Brockport managed to hold the ‘Jackets scoreless for the remainder of the inning. In the seventh, Brockport scored with an RBI single, winning the game 4-3.
Senior Jen Moshier started the game and played for three innings, allowing four runners on base.
Sophomore Carly Hoffend pitched three innings and threw to three batters in the fourth before being taken out. She allowed four hits and one run, taking the loss for the ‘Jackets.
In their second game against Brockport, UR took the lead in the second inning when junior Rachel Askin hit her first home run of her college career. The home run gave the ‘Jackets an advantage of a 2-0 lead.
By the end of the sixth, the Yellowjackets had the lead at 6-0. Doubles by sophomore Jessica Sorrentino and Robertson brought in the final three runs for the ‘Jackets.
In the bottom of the sixth, Brockport scored two runs before Robertson shut them down with a strikeout – the ‘Jackets won the game 6-2.
On Thursday, the ‘Jackets made their debut appearance at home but were unfortunately swept by Fisher.
In game one against Fisher, the ‘Jackets lost 12-4. They came back in game two to score the games first runs in the fifth. Robertson had an RBI double and freshman Megan Winn hit an RBI single to bring in UR’s only runs of the game. In the sixth, Fisher gained three runs and held the Yellowjackets at 3-2 to win the game.
“I think we struggled more than we wanted to,” Sorrentino said. “I have no doubt that we are going to come back and do amazing in the end.”
On Friday, the ‘Jackets split their second set of home games against Medaille.
In game one, Medaille held a 4-1 lead to the seventh inning. With one out against them, UR rallied in the bottom of the seventh to pull off a win.
Both sophomore Alicia Citro and Robertson hit singles and both advanced on a passed ball. Citro scored on a single by Sorrentino.
Winn hit a grounder through the second baseman’s legs, bringing in Robertson. Freshman Beth Ameno advanced to first on a walk.
Sophomore Rachel Skellie hit back to the pitcher and Sorrentino was thrown out at home. With two outs, junior Sam Carr hit a single to bring in Winn to tie the game at 4-4.
Senior Laura Rubinchuk was hit by a pitch to walk in a fifth run, winning the game for the ‘Jackets.
In game two, Medaille had the lead by the fifth at 3-0. The Yellowjackets were held without hits until the sixth inning when both Robertson and Sorrentino singled.
A wild pitch put both runners in scoring position and Robertson scored on a passed ball.
Down 3-1, UR attempted another seventh inning rally. Unfortunately, with bases loaded, the ‘Jackets failed to produce a run, losing 3-1.
“Our first home games did not return the four wins we anticipated,” Rubinchuk said. “I think that our team has a lot of promise and we have a lot of games left to show people that this team can play ball.”
The Yellowjackets go into this week 10-10. Their next games are at home against Hamilton College on Thursday.
Woods can be reached at jwoods@campustimes.org.
