SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Graduate student Steph Cavallaro went 2 for 3 with three runs batted in to lead the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) softball team to a 7-1 victory over Union College on Wednesday afternoon at Alexander Field. With the win, the Engineers improve to 4-1 overall (3-0 Liberty League), while the Dutchwomen drop to 3-14 (3-12 Liberty League).

Grad student Allie Hunt got the Engineers on the board in the top of the first, roping a double to right that plated junior Erin Askins. RPI then took advantage of a Union error to take a 2-0 lead later in the frame.

A Cavallaro double in the in the top of third scored Hunt to make it a 3-0 game, before Olivia Valery drew a bases loaded walk in the bottom half to draw within 3-1.

RPI broke the game open with a four-run top of the fourth. Graduate student Veronica DeStefano singled-home freshman Liv Vizzini, before Cavallaro knocked in two more with her second double of the game. Freshman catcher Alex Ledger capped the scoring with a double to left, bringing home Cavallaro.

Sophomore Alexis Cooke (3-0) earned the victory in the circle, allowing one run on five hits over 3.1 innings. She struck out four and walked two. Classmate Brooke Sroczinski worked the final 3.2 innings, giving up only three hits, with three strikeouts and one walk.

Amanda Granato (1-8) took the loss for Union, surrendering five runs (4 earned) on six hits over 3.1 innings. She had one strikeout and two walks.

Game 2 of the doubleheader was called in the top of the third inning with Union leading 8-1. The contest is set to be resumed at a future date.