Game 1 Box Score / Game 2 Box Score

TROY, N.Y. – The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) softball team improved to 21-3 on the season after sweeping a doubleheader from crosstown-rival Russell Sage at Knickerbacker Park on Thursday. Behind solid pitching from seniors Stephanie Vanek (Smithtown, NY/Smithtown) and Amy Huling (Vienna, VA/Holton-Arms), the Red Hawks beat the Gators, 19-1 & 29-3.

RPI capitalized on an 11-run second inning in game one to pick up the win. Leading 4-1 after two innings, the Red Hawks bats’ erupted, led by sophomore Logan Russell (Cranbury, NJ/Princeton), who went 4 for 4 with three runs and six runs batted in.

Vanek allowed three hits and an earned run while striking out nine through five innings and along with freshmen Julianne Bass (Costa Mesa, CA/Newport Harbor) and Beth Gargon (East Hampton, CT/East Hampton) added three hits each in the victory.

In the nightcap, Huling improved to 9-2 overall after allowing five hits and three runs (none earned), with four strikeouts and just two walks in five innings. Seven players tallied multiple hits, including junior Katherine Valenta (LaGrange, IL/Lyons Township), who went 4 for 5 with five runs and nine runs batted in. She had two homeruns, including a grand-slam in the top of the fourth inning.

Rensselaer opens the home portion of their schedule on Saturday against Liberty League foe St. Lawrence in a doubleheader at Doris Robison Field (1pm).