WAYNE, N.J. — The Hunter College women's softball team opened its season Tuesday afternoon with a non-conference doubleheader at William Paterson, where the Hawks were limited to two runs on the day in a pair of 9-1 defeats.

Game 1: Hunter 1, William Paterson 9
Hunter was held to just two hits across five innings in the opener as the Hawks struggled to generate sustained offense early. Their best opportunity came in the fourth inning when Adriana Ramirez drew a leadoff walk, Isabella Thumhart followed with a single and Elizabeth Thompson was hit by a pitch to load the bases with no outs. Despite the promising rally, Hunter was able to bring home only one run on a bases-loaded walk by Madison Drouet.

Freshman Abigail Bidinger took the loss in her collegiate debut despite a steady effort in the circle. Only four of William Paterson's nine runs were earned during Bidinger's four innings of work. The Pioneers created separation in the second inning with a six-run outburst, aided by two Hunter defensive errors, building a lead the Hawks could not overcome.

Game 2: Hunter 1, William Paterson 9
The Hawks again threatened early in the second game, loading the bases with one out before Giordana Bowen delivered an RBI single to put Hunter on the board. However, the early momentum proved short-lived.

Junior Grace Basil got the start in the circle and faced immediate pressure as William Paterson struck for four runs across the first two innings. Hunter managed just two additional hits over the final five innings — one each from Basil and Brianna Flores — and was unable to generate another scoring opportunity. Basil worked 5.1 innings and was charged with nine earned runs on thirteen hits in the loss.

Hunter returns to action Saturday, March 14, when the Hawks travel to Morristown, N.J., for a doubleheader against Saint Elizabeth University. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m.