In its first games since returning from Florida, RPI softball played a doubleheader against the Ithaca College Bombers. The series was split after two very close games, including the opener which was decided in eight innings.
The first game did not start how the Engineers would like as they gave up three runs in the first two innings. However, RPI began to turn it around when it took the lead in the fifth inning. Freshman Jocilyn Rudisill started the scoring with a two-run double which was followed by RBIs from junior Gillian McCarthy and sophomore Charlene Osmanski.
The game remained close heading into the seventh. RPI started out the inning strong as senior Kelly Erkert and Rudisill got on base. Both then stole third and second, respectively, putting two runners in scoring position for the Engineers. A sacrifice bunt by McCarthy scored one run, and then a few batters later, a single by junior Aimee Konet scored two more and gave RPI a 7-3 lead.
Unfortunately, the rest of the game did not go according to plan. In the bottom of the seventh, Ithaca hit two homeruns and brought home four to tie the game at seven. After RPI was unable to score in the eighth, the Engineers committed two errors and gave up the game-winning run to Ithaca for a final score of 8-7.
The second game did not start any better for RPI as it gave up the first six runs of the game in the first two innings. However, Rensselaer stormed back immediately and scored five of its own in the top of the third. First, a single by senior Sara Heller centerfield scored sophomore Dani Grage. A McCarthy walk brought home another run, and then an Osmanski single led to two more runs. Finally, Konet hit a fielder’s choice to score McCarthy.
The teams traded runs in the bottom of the fourth and the top of the fifth to make the score 7-6 in favor of the Bombers However, it was RPI that would have the comeback this time as it scored three runs in the top of the seventh. After Rudisill reached on a fielder’s choice and a Heller single put two runners on base, McCarthy hit a homerun over the left field wall to give RPI the runs it needed to finish the game with a 9-7 advantage.
The doubleheader split leaves the Engineers with a 7-7 record so far this season. The team’s next games will be a doubleheader today at Castleton State College.