Wayne, NJ - The Hunter softball team headed west to New Jersey to take on the Pioneers of William Paterson University in a non-conference matchup earlier this afternoon. The Purple and Gold struggled to find their bats and were one-hit the first game, resulting in an 8-0 loss. Despite a improvement on the offensive end in the second, their six-hit, two run performance fell shy in the 6-2 affair. Hunter's record now stands at 1-5 overall.

Game 1 (Hunter-0 William Paterson-8)
Both teams traded a scoreless first inning. The hosts got on the board first with two in the bottom of the second. Hunter's best chance to get on the board came in the top of the third; with two outs, Stephanie Rybkiewicz reached on a fielder's choice and then stole second. However, Samantha Perez was unable to capitalize with a runner in scoring position as she struck out to end the inning. 

William Paterson tacked on two more in both the third and fourth innings to make it 6-0. Olivia Palumbo led off the fifth with a single up the middle and then advanced to second on a sac bunt fom Samantha Marsala. However, the runner was stranded as Kayla Pilotti stepped up the plate and was caught looking to end the game. The Pioneers added two more runs before the conclusion of the first game.

T'ea Panagakos took the loss after tossing three innings and giving up three runs (two earned) on seven hits with one strike out. Sarah Shor came in for one inning of relief and allowed two runs and as many hits. Alyssa Curiale faced the final four batters of the game.

Game 2 (Hunter-2 William Paterson-6)
The Hawks put runners on base early but stranded five through the first three innings of play. William Paterson struck first with two runs in the bottom of the third on a two-run shot by McDaniel. They added another two in the fourth and one in the fifth to make it 5-0. In the top of the sixth, the Hawks had one on and one out. Palumbo grounded out but advanced Nicole Bowe to second. Fowler connected on an RBI single to right center, and then Marsala connected with an RBI double to left center, making it 5-2.

Another run in the sixth put the Hawks in a 6-2 hole. The Hawks were set up with runners on second and third with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, but were unable to capitalize as they settled for the 6-2 loss.

Leah Dillon tossed the entire game and gave up six runs on 10 hits while fanning one .

The Hawks resume action on Wednesday, March 23 when they take on Farmingdale State on the road.