Szpylman Tosses Shutout as Erie Softball Sweeps Genesee
SUNY Erie Women's Softball delivered a dominant doubleheader performance on Tuesday, sweeping Genesee Community College behind strong pitching and timely hitting.
In game one, Grace Szpylman was nearly untouchable in a 5-0 victory, firing a complete-game shutout while allowing just three hits. Szpylman controlled the game from start to finish, keeping Genesee off the scoreboard and setting the tone for the day.
Erie broke through in the fourth inning when Haley Lerner tripled down the right field line to drive in a run, and Mikayla Gallivan followed by drawing a walk that brought home another. The Kats added to their lead from there, backed by a steady offensive effort that produced nine hits.
Amelia Potter and Carly Fraser led the way with two hits apiece, while Lerner drove in a team-high two runs. Erie also played flawless defense, committing no errors, with Hailey Wisser anchoring the field with 14 chances.
The Kats carried that momentum into game two, exploding for a 12-0 win highlighted by a massive first inning.
Erie sent 13 batters to the plate and scored eight runs in the opening frame. Contributions came from throughout the lineup, including RBI efforts from Potter, Lerner, Olivia Orcholski, Lily Radich, Natalie Witt, and Fraser, along with a Genesee error.
The offense stayed hot in the third inning, adding four more runs. Witt delivered another RBI single, Fraser brought in a run on a groundout, and Potter capped the scoring with a two-run double.
Potter was equally effective in the circle, earning the win with five shutout innings while allowing just three hits and issuing no walks.
Witt, Potter, and Radich each collected two hits in the nightcap, while Witt and Potter drove in three runs apiece. Erie showed patience at the plate with four walks and added another strong defensive effort, turning a double play.
With the sweep, Erie showcased its depth in both pitching and hitting, combining for 17 runs while not allowing a single run across the two games. The Kats will look to carry that momentum into their next matchup as they continue their homestand against Mohawk Valley on Thursday.