Pignone Powers Kats Past Niagara, Erie Advances in Region III Playoff

The SUNY Erie Women's Softball team opened postseason play in dominant fashion, sweeping SUNY Niagara in the NJCAA Region III Division II B Sub-Regional on Tuesday at North Campus.

Erie took game one 8-0 behind a complete team effort and a standout performance from Ashlyn Pignone. Pignone went 3-for-4, including a solo home run in the first inning, setting the tone early. The Kats broke the game open with a five-run fourth inning, highlighted by RBI doubles from Haley Wackowski and Natalie Witt.

Grace Szpylman was outstanding in the circle, tossing a six-inning shutout while allowing just three hits and striking out six. Erie backed her with strong defense, playing error-free softball and turning a double play.

The Kats carried that momentum into game two, securing a 12-4 victory to complete the sweep. Pignone stayed hot at the plate, collecting three more hits, including a two-run home run and two doubles. Amelia Potter and Wackowski each drove in three runs, while Wackowski added a late home run to seal the win.

Erie's offense was relentless across both games, combining for 21 runs on 24 hits, while the pitching staff of Potter and Szpylman controlled the action in the circle.

With the sweep, the Kats advance in Region III postseason play, continuing their strong late-season momentum with another complete performance on both sides of the ball.  The Kats will host Monroe Community College in a best of three series starting on Saturday at North Campus.