Generals and Hawks renew rivalry

Utica, NY - The Herkimer Generals and Mohawk Valley Hawks renewed their rivalry on the softball field on Saturday afternoon in Utica, NY as the # 2 Nationally ranked Generals came away with 2 big wins over the Hawks, winning Gam1 by a score of 9-1 and outlasting MVCC in Game 2 by a score of 10-7.

The first game of the twinbill was a battle for 5 innings before Herkimer pulled away for the win. With the 1-1 at the end of 5, the Generals scored 5 in the 6th and 3 more in the 7th to distance themselves from the Hawks. Alexis Van Patten (Niskayuna, NY) went 2-4 with a home run and 4 RBI's in the contest. Alexis Garrision (Clifton Park, NY) continued her hot start to 2021, going 2-4 with a home run as well. Michaela Ponticello (Gloversville, NY) and Emily Beames (South Glens Falls, NY) each pitched in with 2 hits apiece as well.

Madison Ihnat (Boca Raton, FL) got the win on the bump for the Generals, going the full 7 innings and allowing only 2 hits and the lone run while striking out 5.

Game 2 saw Herkimer jump out to a 7-1 lead before MVCC roared back with 4 runs in the top of the 5th to make it a 7-5 game. But the Generals answered with 2 runs in the bottom of the 5th and 1 in the sixth and held off a Hawk rally in the top of the 7th to come away with the sweep.

Van Patten was once again the offensive star, going 3-3 and scoring 2 runs. Melissa Daigneault (North Greenbush, NY) added 2 hits and 3 RBI's while Aubrey Ketcham (Otisville, NY) and 2 hits and 2 RBI's from the lead off spot and made a few outstanding defensive plays at shortstop to aid in the win. Hannah DeRock (Hunt, NY) battled through 5 innings to get the win and Makenna Hill (Ohsweken, Ontario) got the last 4 outs for the save.

With the wins the Generals move to 6-0 on the season, all coming on the road. The Generals will now host the Hawks over in Herkimer on Tuesday, April 6th at the 3:00 PM in their long awaited home opener.