Witt, Potter Power Erie Softball to Doubleheader Sweep of Herkimer
SUNY Erie Women's Softball put together a complete performance on Sunday, sweeping Herkimer in a home doubleheader behind standout efforts from Natalie Witt and Amelia Potter.
In the opener, Erie rode a dominant day at the plate from Witt to a 9-4 victory. Witt was perfect, going 3-for-3 with two doubles and a single, helping pace a 12-hit attack. After falling behind early, the Kats responded in the first inning with RBI contributions from Potter and Haley Lerner to take a 2-1 lead.
Herkimer briefly reclaimed the advantage in the second, but Erie answered in a big way in the fourth inning. Carly Fraser ignited the rally with an RBI single, Potter followed with a two-run single, and Lerner added another RBI to cap a four-run frame that gave Erie control for good.
Grace Szpylman earned the win in the circle, tossing a complete game while allowing four runs and striking out five. Witt, Fraser, and Ashlyn Pignone each collected three hits, while Potter and Lerner drove in three runs apiece. The Kats also flashed strong defense, turning two double plays.
Erie carried that momentum into game two, securing a 6-1 win to complete the sweep.
Potter led the charge in the second game, going a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate. Erie opened the scoring in the first inning on Potter's RBI single before Herkimer answered to tie the game. The Kats broke things open in the fifth, when Pignone tripled to bring in the go-ahead run, and Fraser followed with an RBI single to extend the lead.
Potter was equally impressive in the circle, delivering a complete-game performance while allowing just one run on three hits and striking out four.
Erie's offense continued to roll, piling up 14 hits in the nightcap. Pignone and Mikayla Gallivan each drove in two runs, while Hailey Wisser added a pair of hits. The Kats also turned a double play defensively to cap another well-rounded effort.
With the sweep, Erie showcased both offensive firepower and strong pitching as they prepare for a road matchup at Genesee in their next outing.