Late Inning Offense Propels Softball to Sweep

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FT. MYERS, Fla.—Buffalo State’s (3-1) bats came out of hibernation as the Bengals were impressive in a pair of victories over St. Lawrence (2-4-1) and Western New England College (2-4) today at the Cape Coral Sports Complex. Buffalo State defeated St. Lawrence 3-2, and topped WNEC, 12-0.

In the morning game, Buffalo State needed late inning heroics after building a 2-0 lead with a run in the first inning and another in the fifth. St. Lawrence responded with runs in the sixth and seventh to even the score, setting the stage for Jolene Banach’s (Cheektowaga/Maryvale) bottom of the seventh, walk-off double that scored Laurie Hutten (Tonawanda/Kenmore West) who had reached base on a bunt single. Jenna Schwartzmeyer (Williamsville/Williamsville South) earned no-decision in her Buffalo State debut, allowing just three of St. Lawrence’s six hits and one unearned run in 5 1/3 innings of work. Aimee Fisher (Hamburg/Frontier) recorded win, despite allowing the tying run. Nicole Maher (Waterloo/Waterloo) was 3 for 3 with two doubles and a run scored to pace the Bengals’ offense. Katie Melsert (Burnt Hills/Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) had an RBI single in her first collegiate at bat, and Nicole Sabuda (Orchard Park/Orchard Park) was 1 for 3 with a run-scoring single. Jessica Mooney (Tonawanda/Kenmore West) was 1 for 2 with a run scored.

In the late game, Buffalo State exploded for 12 runs and 20 hits. Jolene Banach finally woke the Bengals’ bats in the fifth inning with a one-out, bases-loaded RBI single to break a scoreless tie. The bats went back to work in the sixth inning as Schwartzmeyer led off with a triple, followed by a Jordan Banach (Cheektowaga/Maryvale) homerun over the right field fence. Buffalo State rolled from there, adding nine more runs in the seventh, including a two-run homer by Nicole Sabuda (Orchard Park/Orchard Park). Fisher cruised on the mound for the shutout and her third win of the young season, fanning 10 and scattering six hits. Hutten was 5 for 5 and Jessica Mooney (Tonawanda/Kenmore West) and Schwartzmeyer were each 3 for 5.

Buffalo State will face Plymouth and Lasell in a twin bill at the Cape Coral Sports Complex at 9 and 11 a.m. respectively.

Media Contact:
Jeff Ventura, Sports Information Director | 7168786030 | venturjm@buffalostate.edu