New York. NY - The Hunter College softball team took on the Dolphins of The College of Staten Island Saturday, April 16^th, in a double-header at Randall's Island. Both games proved close with CSI taking the first game 3-1 but Hunter bouncing back in the second to win 3-1. The Hawks push their overall mark to 9-11 and 7-1 in CUNYAC play. With the double-header split, both teams remain atop CUNYAC.

The day began with a celebratory Hunter softball alumni event, where players from many different years came to play in a Purple vs. Gold game. Alumni were there to celebrate Hunter's tradition of excellence, both on and off the field, with souvenirs being given out, lunch provided and watching and cheering on Hunter take on CSI later on in the afternoon.

Game 1 Recap
The Hawks managed just two runs on four hits; each hit coming from the bat of four different players. Victoria Slavik knocked a home run in the bottom of the seventh which proved to be the lone run for her team. Erica Colangelo pitched well and allowed just three runs off six hits and struck out three but suffered the loss and moves to a 3-5 record on the season.

Hunter and CSI were each held scoreless in the first two innings as the combination of consistent pitching and smart defense kept both teams off the scoreboard. CSI struck first in the top of the third inning making the score 1-0. The Dolphins again scored in the top of the fifth and sixth innings, one run a piece to go up 3-0.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Hawks had one final chance to make a run. Slavik slammed a solo homerun deep to center field, giving Hunter some life to start the frame. However, in the end, CSI's defense got the job done, retiring the remaining batters to take the first game.

Game 2 Recap
The tides turned in the second game with the Hawks scoring three runs on six hits. Brianna Monaco accounted for a third of her team's hits and drove in two RBI's with an early home run. Sara Beck went the distance and was solid in the circle, tossing seven full innings, giving up one run on just three hits and striking out seven as she secured her fifth win of the season.

Hawk bats struck early in the bottom of the second when Briana Monaco homered, bringing in Stefanie Abolt, to get on the scoreboard at 2-0. The Dolphins responded with a run of their own in the top of the third frame when an error by the Hunter defense advanced Kristen Meagher home. CSI was knocking on the door in the top of the fith to threaten Hunter's lead when they loaded the bases but Beck pitched out of the jam.

Beck produced at the plate as well as holding it down in the circle. With runners on first and second, she blasted an RBI single to center field that advanced Monaco home to extend the Hunter lead to 3-1. In the top of the seventh, Beck retired the side in order, striking out two and getting the other to fly out to center field to secure the win.

The Hawks are set to face Manhattanville College Wednesday, April 20^th, in a 3PM non-conference game in Purchase, NY.