NEW YORK, N.Y.- The Hunter College softball team came up short in both games of a doubleheader against Purchase on Monday afternoon at Randall's Island. The Hawks were edged 9-8 in nine innings in the opener before falling 16-0 in game two, moving to 2-14 on the season.
Game 1: Hunter 8, Purchase 9 (9 inn.)
Hunter showed resilience throughout the opener, responding to multiple swings in momentum before the game was decided in extra innings.
The Hawks opened the scoring in the second inning, as Brianna Flores delivered a two-RBI single to bring home Elizabeth Thompson and Alejandra Aquino for a 2-0 lead. Hunter added to its advantage in the third, with Thompson driving in Sonia Rosales on a groundout to make it 3-0.
After Purchase cut into the lead, Hunter answered with a four-run fifth inning. Amanda Ramirez highlighted the frame with a two-RBI single, while Rosales and Madison Drouet each added sacrifice flies to extend the lead to 7-0.
Purchase rallied late, evening the score in the seventh and moving ahead in the eighth. Hunter responded in the bottom half, as Ramirez delivered again with an RBI single to tie the game at 8-8 and force extra innings.
Bidinger paced the offense with a 4-for-6 performance, while Ramirez finished with two hits and three RBIs. Basil added two hits, and Flores drove in a pair.
Purchase plated the go-ahead run in the ninth, and Hunter was unable to answer in the final frame.
Game 2: Hunter 0, Purchase 16
Hunter totaled five hits in the second game but could not find offensive rhythm as Purchase built an early lead.
Basil, Bidinger, Rosales, Thompson, and Bowen each recorded a hit for the Hawks. Hunter put runners on in the second inning but was unable to capitalize.
Purchase scored four runs in the first inning and added eight more in the second to take control of the contest.
Basil was charged with the loss in the circle, while Bowen worked in relief. Hunter continued to compete defensively despite the early deficit.
Hunter returns to action on April 1 for a doubleheader at Ramapo College.