NEW YORK — The Hunter College softball team (10-20, 3-1 CUNYAC) split its Friday doubleheader against Baruch College (9-15, 3-1 CUNYAC), using a 13-run outburst to take Game 1 before falling 11-2 in the second contest. With the results, the Hawks and Bearcats now sit tied for second in the CUNYAC standings.

Game 1: Hunter 13, Baruch 5 (5 innings)
Fueled by a relentless offense and a multi-extra-base-hit day from Paige Witalec, the Hawks opened Friday's doubleheader with a statement win, defeating Baruch 13-5 in five innings. Hunter racked up 13 runs on 13 hits — including six in the final frame — to pull away late in a game that remained close through the fourth.

Witalec went 3-for-4 with a double, a triple, and five RBIs, pacing a lineup that saw eight different players reach base. Her five RBIs are tied for the second-most in a single game by any CUNYAC player this season. Olivia Palumbo also delivered a strong performance at the top of the order, finishing 2-for-3 with three RBIs and one run scored, including a two-run single in the third that pushed the lead to 7-2. Adriana Ramirez added two hits and two RBIs, while Nicole Bowe went 2-for-4 and scored once.

Baruch pulled within two at 7-5 in the top of the fifth, taking advantage of a few miscues. But the Hawks quickly responded with a six-run rally in the bottom half — a display of resilience capped by Witalec's bases-clearing triple and an RBI single from Ramirez. Grace Basil also contributed at the plate with a run-scoring single, while Elizabeth Thompson and Johany Galva combined for five runs scored. Amanda Rivera added a run as a pinch runner to complete the surge.

In the circle, Basil earned the win with a complete game effort, striking out six over five innings while working around seven hits and five runs, only four of which were earned. She allowed just one hit over the final frame and did not surrender a walk after the third inning.

Game 2: Baruch 11, Hunter 2 (5 innings) 
After a commanding win in the opener, the Hawks found themselves on the other half of a one-sided result, falling 11-2 to Baruch in five innings. The Bearcats seized control with a 10-run third inning, stringing together well-timed hits and aggressive swings to build a lead they would not relinquish.

Hunter started strong, plating two runs in the bottom of the first behind hits from Palumbo, Witalec, and Adriana Ramirez. Ramirez drove in the first run of the game with a single, and Bowe followed with a sacrifice fly to make it 2-1. Witalec and Palumbo each finished 2-for-3, accounting for four of the team's seven hits.

Isabella Thumhart got the start in the circle, while Grace Basil came on in relief. The duo combined to allow 12 hits and three walks, with Basil holding Baruch scoreless over the final two innings.

The Hawks return to action on Tuesday, April 22, for a 3 p.m. doubleheader at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, N.Y.