MAHWAH, N.J.- The Hunter College softball team traveled to no. 25 Ramapo for a non conference doubleheader on Thursday evening. Despite falling in both games, the Hawks showed grit and determination against the NFCA nationally ranked opponent.

Game 1: Hunter 0, Ramapo 5

Hunter (5-11) was aggressive to start out the day, pushing across an early run in the top of the first inning. Senior shortstop Paige Witalec singled and later scored on a productive groundout by Nicole Bowe, putting the Hawks on the board first. Witalec finished 1-for-3 with a run, and outfielder Elizabeth Thompson added a hit later in the game to keep the offense alive.

Grace Basil was once again a force in the circle, going the distance and holding Ramapo's (14-1) potent lineup to just one run in four of the seven innings. Basil struck out four and worked around 10 hits and five walks, staying composed against a nationally ranked lineup, showing promise as the Hawks continue to build chemistry with conference play on the horizon.

Despite a few defensive miscues, the Purple and Gold kept the game close until a late two-run burst by Ramapo in the sixth. The Hawks' defense turned several key plays, and Basil forced seven groundouts to keep her infield engaged throughout the contest.

Game 2: Hunter 1, Ramapo 6

The second game saw another solid pitching performance for the Hawks, this time from freshman Isabella Thumhart. Thumhart scattered seven hits across six innings and allowed just three earned runs while striking out three and working through multiple jams. 

Offensively, the Hawks were kept off the scoreboard but made noise in the seventh inning with a late surge. Catcher Sonial Rosales-Rosenthal and Basil both singled to start a rally, and after a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases, the Hawks brought the tying run to the on-deck circle. Though they came up just short, the late-game energy was a testament to Hunter's refusal to go quietly.

Rosenthal and Basil each finished 1-for-3, while Witalec, once again, had multiple strong at-bats despite not reaching base in the nightcap.

The Hawks return to the diamond on Tuesday April 1 for another road doubleheader at St. Joseph's University Long Island. First pitch is slated for 4:00 p.m.