CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. – Russell Sage College split this afternoon's home Empire 8 Conference doubleheader against Houghton.
Senior outfielder Isabella Vano (Yorktown Heights, NY/Yorktown), one of two Gators that were recognized before the twin bill as part of the "Senior Day" festivities, went a combined 4-for-6 with three RBI and two runs scored. Freshman infielder Annalise Tyler (Schenectady, NY/Schalmont) was effective out of the leadoff spot, going 5-for-8 with three runs scored and two RBI on the day.
The Gators registered 14 hits to take the opener 12-2 (6 innings). Trailing 2-1 going to the bottom of the third, RSC put across three runs to gain the lead that it would never relinquish.
Tyler went 3-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored, while sophomore infielder Ciana Santana (East Meadow, NY/East Meadow) capped the scoring with a walk-off grand slam. Freshman infielder/outfielder Allison Kenyon (Mechanicville, NY/Mechanicville) and Vano each had two hits and two runs scored in the victory.
Houghton (10-16-1/2-4 E8), which entered the weekend as winners of three in-a-row, used three seventh-inning runs to upend RSC 4-3 in the second game.
Freshman pitcher Kareena Ulfig (Win, 4-6) helped herself in the frame with a two-run single. Following the Highlander rally, RSC went down 1-2-3 in the bottom half.
Tyler had two hits and scored two runs, while Vano went 2-for-3 with two RBI in the nightcap.
Looking ahead, RSC (7-19/3-7 E8) has a non-conference doubleheader on Tuesday afternoon at SUNY New Paltz.
Senior Day: Before the doubleheader, Russell Sage College Athletics recognized Vano and catcher Serina Garmendiz (Hempstead, NC/Pine Bush) for their contributions to the softball program.
Gator Bites: The Gators returned to the diamond this year looking to improve on a 2023 season where they reached the finals of the Empire 8 Conference Championship Tournament Championship…Head Coach Stephanie Reinhardt is in her first season at the helm of RSC Softball…Ten players, including six starters, returned this spring. Sophomore pitcher Leah Madore (Williamsville, VT/Brattleboro Union) was named Empire 8 Conference Pitcher of the Week for the period ending Sunday, April 7...The righty allowed zero earned runs and struck out 16 across 10.1 innings of work in the April 7 doubleheader vs. Keuka...Vano slashed .412/.412/.545 with three runs scored and six RBI across six E8 games this week...She registered a trio of multi-hit performances and knocked in a pair of runs twice...Sophomore catcher/outfielder Emma Heartquist (Stuyvesant, NY/Ichabod Crane) recorded a .389/.444/.389 slash line, while Tyler batted .375 (9-for-24) during the stretch.
Gator Golf: The 19th Annual Gator Golf Classic will be held May 31, 2024. More Information: https://www.
