Betsy Butlak makes the catch

Pioneers Fall in Home Opener

The Alfred State softball team couldn't get the offense going as they opened up the home portion of their season vs. Pitt Bradford. The Panthers scored a run in the 7th to win the opener 1-0 and then used a big 3rd inning in a 11-1 victory in the nightcap.

Brittany Fisher (Indianapolis, IN) and Jordan Uhing dominated in the circle in the first game. The game was scoreless until the 7th when the Panthers put together a two-out rally. Hannah Lathrop and Madison East hit back to back singles before Melissa Nye delivered a RBI single to center to plate the only run of the game. Uhing retired the Pioneers in order in the bottom of the inning to secure the victory.

Fisher allowed one run on seven hits in the complete game effort. She didn't walk a batter and struck out four. Uhing allowed just a 4th inning single to Marissa Varela (Egg Harbor Twp, NJ). She walked just one and struck out 10.

In the nightcap, Pitt Bradford scored in each of the first three innings as they took control early. Maddy Hillery led the offensive attack with a 3 for 4, 6 RBI game. Her bases clearing double was the big hit in the Panthers seven-run 3rd inning.

Alfred State scored their lone run of the game in the 4th when Arianna Traugott (Elmira) scored on a throwing error after collecting a double. The Pioneers had five hits in the game including extra base hits by Traugott and Varela (triple in the 5th).

The Pioneers are right back in action tomorrow when they host Hilbert in a 3 p.m. doubleheader.