Cougars Win One of Two Against No. 2 Herkimer

The GCC softball team took one of two games in Saturday's doubleheader against No. 2 nationally ranked Herkimer College, topping the Generals 2-1 in game one and falling 5-1 in game two.

Genesee starter Mackenzie Weber was up to the task in game one, helping out her offense that managed only three hits in the game by allowing just a single unearned run to the visitors.

Herkimer scored its only run of the game in the top of the first on a base hit, passed ball and a throwing error.

Joelle Kaminski and Karli Phillips hit back-to-back singles to start the bottom of the second inning and after Amanda Stratton tied the game at one with an RBI single that scored Kaminski, Faye Conley gave the Cougars the lead with an RBI fielder's choice that brought home Phillips.

Weber found trouble in the fifth when Herkimer loaded the bases with one out, but induced a fly ball to left that was caught by Stratton, who then delivered a strong throw to the plate that cut down the would-be tying run to end the inning.

A two-out error in the top of the seventh extended the game an extra batter and gave Herkimer a chance with runners on the corners, but Weber got the next batter to pop out and fittingly made the catch herself to end the game.

Weber allowed nine hits in the complete game effort and struck out three to earn the win.

Phillips delivered a strong effort on the mound in game two, lasting into the fifth inning in another close game.

GCC jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Joelle Kaminski sent a pop fly into right field that was mishandled and scored Sydney Brenton, who led off the game with a single.

The Genesee defense erased Herkimer baserunners in the first and second innings with double plays, but a throwing error in the third led to the Generals' first run that tied that game at one.

Phillips got two outs in the fifth, but her day was done after Herkimer scored three times in the frame to take a 4-1 lead. Weber retired the final batter of the fifth and allowed one run on two hits in the sixth in relief.

Shiori Ubukata doubled with one out in the fifth, but was left stranded on what would be the last GCC hit as the Cougars were retired in order in the sixth and seventh innings.

Phillips allowed four runs (two earned) on eight hits and struck out one.

Ubukata went 2-3, Weber was 1-2 with a walk and Stratton collected one hit in three at bats.

Genesee's overall record moves to 10-10 and the Cougars will return to action on Sunday at home against Cayuga CC.