Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 Game 1 Box / Game 2 Box

HORNELL, N.Y. – Behind solid pitching and a late offensive effort in each game, the Alfred University softball team swept a doubleheader against Rensselaer, picking up wins of 4-1 and 7-4 on Sunday. With the victories, the Saxons improve to 9-1 and have now won each of their last seven games. The Engineers fall to 5-10 on the season.

Game one saw RPI jump out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first period, but sophomore hurler Nicole Hedrick (Albany, NY/Catholic Central) settled down and was able to blank the Engineers over the next six innings. She allowed just four hits in 7.0 innings of work, striking out six, while walking just one batter.

The Saxons took the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning, powered by an RBI double from sophomore Molly Shepherd (Camillus, NY/West Genesee). Alfred the capitalized on back-to-back walks to bring in another run and grab a 3-1 lead. Senior Jesika LeBarron (Campbell, NY/Corning West) added an run-scoring double in the bottom of the sixth to close out the game's scoring.

For Rensselaer, junior Felicia Bua (Gilford, NH/Gilford) shouldered the loss, allowing three runs on four hits in 4.0 innings. She struck out one batter, while surrendering five walks. Classmate Jen Bach (Lansdale, PA/Gwynedd Mercy Academy) came on in relief, allowing a run on three hits over 2.0 innings.

In game two, the Saxons struck first, opening up a 6-0 lead through the first three innings. Alfred's five-run effort in the third inning powered the way as Hendrick homered to drive in a run, LeBarron delivered another RBI double, and a two-run double by Angela Netta (Rahway, NJ/Mother Seton Regional) pushed the lead to six (6-0).

Bach, who started in the circle for the Engineers in game two, was pulled following the double and finished her day with a strikeout and three walks in 3.0 innings.

RPI battled back in the fifth inning as rookie Gillian McCarthy (Worthington, OH / Thomas Worthington) and Bach delivered back-to-back home runs to cut the deficit to 6-2. Despite another home run in the sixth off the bat of freshman Sheena McNeil (Urbana, IL / Urbana) and Bach's second home run of the game in the top of the seventh, the Engineers could not close the gap.

Rensselaer returns to action on Tuesday when it travels to Castleton State for a doubleheader against the Spartans. Game one is set to begin at 3pm. Alfred is back on the field on Thursday at #6 SUNY Cortland for a twinbill at 3pm.