The RPI softball team enjoyed a light week last week, playing only one doubleheader in seven days. The Red Hawks made the most of their time on the field, however, trouncing the Blue Knights of Mount St. Mary’s College 10-0 and 4-0, respectively.
In the opener, the RPI bats were busy, smacking 18 hits off of Blue Knight pitcher Colleen Glasheen. The Red Hawks’ three-four-five hitters of senior Amy Huling, freshman Julianne Bass, and sophomore transfer Beth Gargon were a modern-day “Murderer’s Row,” going a combined nine-for-12 from the batter’s box with four RBIs. Freshman Jessica Muhic also made her presence felt with a two-run triple late in the contest to cement the RPI lead.
The massive run support would be more than enough for freshman Michelle Street and senior Stephanie Vanek. The fireballing duo combined for a one-hit shutout. Street baffled the Blue Knight hitters for the first four innings, and Vanek appeared in relief.
Street has been virtually unhittable through the first half of her freshman campaign. The first-year ace has struck out 68 and allowed only 32 hits in 53.2 innings of action. The East Syracuse, N.Y., native has quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with on the mound.
“I didn’t expect to have a huge impact coming into this season,” said the modest rookie pitcher. “I am just part of the rotation, trying to do my best to help the team.”
In game two of the doubleheader, Huling took to the mound and pitched a gem of her own. Only Blue Knight shortstop Erin Gilmore could manage a hit off the Red Hawk captain, who struck out five and walked none on her way to the complete game shutout victory.
Huling would also help her own cause, knocking home Vanek from second with an RBI single in the seventh inning.
“She’s a talented ballplayer,” commented RPI Head Coach Erika Lewis of her star senior. “She makes good adjustments, and she leads by example.”
RPI would get the only run it would need in the third inning thanks in large part to Blue Knight third baseman Regina Ammirati. Playing out of her posted position as an outfielder, Ammirati made a crucial error with two outs that allowed Vanek to get on base and Muhic to move from first to third. Muhic was then able to score as Vanek stole second.
All told, it was an excellent day for the Red Hawks. “For us to go in there and have our pitchers only give up two hits and the offense perform like it did, I couldn’t have asked for more,” said Lewis.
Two Red Hawks earned Liberty League honors for their performances against Mount St. Mary’s. Huling was named Co-Pitcher of the Week. In additon, Bass was named Co-Rookie of the Week for the second consecutive week.
Lewis’ troops, who now stand at 17-3, have a busy week ahead in front of them with doubleheaders against Hartwick today, Russell Sage on Thursday, St. Lawrence on Saturday, and Manhattanville next Tuesday.
Lewis, however, is far from concerned. “I think it’s a better scenario for us,” she remarked. “It allows us to get more in tuned and stay focused.”
Focus will be the key for the Red Hawks as they look to capture the Liberty League crown and an NCAA playoff berth. “It’s hard being a student at RPI and an athlete,” said Lewis. “There are a lot of demands on you. If we can manage our focus, whether it be on the field or in the classroom, then we’ll be successful.”
