NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC – The Owls softball team started their 2023 campaign with four miscues in the opening two innings, allowing the Utica Pioneers to score three runs en route to an 8-0 victory in the opening game of the Fast Pitch Dreams Spring Classic at the Central Park Sports Complex Sunday morning. The game was called in the sixth inning.
The Pioneers opened the game with a pair of runs in the first inning. Emily Joss (South Glens Falls, NY) lead off the Utica frame by reaching second. Joss stole third and scored on an RBI triple by Kylie Murray (Eastchester, NY) . Maddie Zulagar (Moorpark, CA) drove home Murray with a sacrifice fly to center. Owls starting pitcher
Hailey Saylor (Port Jefferson Station, NY) pitching her first collegiate game, ended the inning by recording her first two strikeouts to end the threat. After an unearned run in the second, Utica scored three in the third. Abigail Sacks (Colonie, NY) had the biggest blow with a two-run double to left. The Pioneers ended the scoring with two runs in the sixth. An RBI double by Joss, and RBI single by Murray.
Saylor also collected her first career hit with two outs in the second. While on the mound, Saylor scattered nine hits, walking two while striking out three in her complete game outing.
Karis Dankert (Dover Foxcroft, ME) had two hits for UMPI.
Gracelyn Walsh (Grand Bay-Westfield, NB, Canada) playing in her first college game, doubled for the Owls leading off the fourth.
On the mound:
Jordyn Conte (Newport, NY) took the win for the Pioneers as she pitched the first five innings, striking out seven while walking one. Maggie Habernig (Kingston, NY) pitched a 1-2-3 sixth inning. Saylor pitched the complete game for the Owls.
At the plate:
Dankert had two hits, while Saylor and Walsh each had a tally for the Owls. Murray had three hits for the Pioneers, while Joss and Lauren Paul (Guilderland, NY) each had a pair for Utica.
The Owls (0-1) will play FDU-Florham at 5 pm, and this afternoon they will match up against Plattsburgh State at 3 pm.
