Spartans Split Road Series at SUNY Broome

A strong start from pitcher Kiara Lovejoy and a three-run homer by Doray DiLallo helped Cayuga Community College Softball earn a split at SUNY Broome on Tuesday.

After losing the first game 5-4 in a contest that saw multiple lead changes, the Spartans rebounded for a 4-1 win in the second game. The split leaves Cayuga 4-6 on the season.

Coach Chris Amoia said a couple defensive mistakes and leaving runners on-base hurt in the first game, but the team came back more focused in the second game.

"We played the second game with more urgency, and were definitely more focused with fewer mistakes," he said. "Lexie Cottrill threw well in the first game, and I was very impressed with Kiara's performance in the second game. She pitched extremely well while going the distance, and kept us in the game."

Trailing 1-0 early in the first game, the Spartans took a 2-1 lead in the third inning when DiLallo smashed a home run, scoring Abigail Marinelli. The Hornets reclaimed the lead with two runs in the fifth, but Cayuga took the lead back in the sixth when DiLallo scored on a Cottrill single. A double by Taylor Hunter scored Cottrill, giving the Spartans a 4-3 lead. The Hornets plated two in the sixth to take a 5-4 lead, and Cayuga couldn't score in the seventh. 

DiLallo went one-for-two with a homer, two runs, two RBI and three walks, and Hunter and Cottrill both went two-for-four to lead Cayuga's offense in the first game.

Cayuga took the early lead in the second game, with DiLallo's three-run homer in the first inning scoring Lovejoy and Marinelli. The Spartans made it 4-0 in the second when Brittney Waters scored on an error.

The 4-0 lead was more than enough for Lovejoy, who scattered six hits over seven innings while striking out six. DiLallo, Lovejoy, Marinelli and Tori Mandel collected hits for Cayuga.

Cayuga is back home Saturday, April 16, to host Erie Community College (9-7). First pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for noon.