The Geneseo softball team opened SUNYAC play last weekend, splitting doubleheaders at both New Paltz and Oneonta.
Friday, Geneseo won their first game by coming from behind to tie the score in the top of the seventh inning, eventually winning 9-3 in 10 innings. Sophomore Sam Guarrera opened the seventh inning with an impressive pinch-hit double.
The game was tied on a single by freshman KK Schaus, who ended up with four RBIs for the game. But Geneseo fully broke the game open in the 10th, taking full advantage of defensive errors by New Paltz. The big blow was a two-run single by senior pitcher Kerry Kuhn, who also picked up the win on the mound.
Despite their first-game performance, Geneseo lost the second half of the doubleheader 7-2 as they were unable to come back from an early 7-0 deficit.
Head coach Tony Ciccarello said he was "pleased with the resiliency" the team showed in coming from behind. "They never think it's over … and that's something you can't teach." Ciccarello added that he was especially proud of players like Guarrera who made contributions coming off the bench, which he said was very important the entire weekend.
Saturday, Geneseo lost the first of two games against Oneonta 2-1 in nine innings. Despite the loss, sophomore pitcher Janine Montera struck out 11 while giving up only three walks in nine innings. Ciccarello said the Knights "had opportunities to win" and the key in the loss was leaving 10 runners on base throughout the game.
Geneseo was able to come back from that tough defeat to overtake Oneonta 4-1 in the second game of the doubleheader. Geneseo started with an early lead thanks to a three-run home run by junior Katie Holm in the second inning.
"Getting out to a 4-0 lead in the second was huge for the team, especially after the earlier game," said Ciccarello. Pitching, Kuhn only walked one batter in seven innings to earn the win.
Of the weekend, Ciccarello said he was "hoping [for the team] to go 3-1 or 4-0, but they played very well. Sometimes the breaks don't go your way." The Lady Knights are home this weekend, playing Potsdam on Friday and Plattsburgh on Saturday.