KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The Ithaca College softball team returned to action on Monday, opening the day against Plymouth State University and were expected to matchup Ramapo College later in the afternoon but the game was canceled due to weather. The Bombers rode a pair of home runs from
Cate Murray to a 7-1 victory over the Plymouth State Panthers.
ITHACA 7, PLYMOUTH STATE 1 (F)
The Bombers struck for three runs in the top of the second inning when
Cate Murray launched a three-run homer over the left-field fence.
Ava Rao later added to the Bombers' lead with an RBI single through the left side, plating
Elise Waddington.
Plymouth State answered with a run in the bottom of the third as Avery Couch drove an RBI double into the gap, scoring Kenzie Bessette. Bessette reached earlier in the inning on an infield hit and advanced to second on a stolen base.
Mady Rowell worked out of the jam with a strikeout of Kennedy Michaud.
Ithaca looked for an immediate response in the top of the fourth, but Emily Antrim induced an inning-ending fielder's choice off the bat of
Sydney Miranda. Rowell worked a 1-2-3 bottom of the frame to keep the Bombers ahead, 4-1. Pinch hitter
Molly Gibson opened the fifth inning with a single through the right side, but Emily Antrim worked out of the jam again by inducing an inning-ending double play.
Cate Murray stayed hot at the plate, connecting on her second home run of the game as she sent this one sailing over the left-field fence.
Sydney Miranda delivered an RBI single to extend the Bombers' lead to 6-1, forcing a pitching change as Abby Nezuch entered the circle with the bases loaded.
Madison Schoenenberger drew a walk further extending the IC rally.
Mady Rowell shut the door from there on the Panthers as she gave up three hits, while striking out nine to earn her first win of the season.
The Bombers were slated to play Ramapo at 2:45 p.m. but the game was cancelled due to lightning. They return to action on Tuesday taking on No. 20 Rowan University at 10 a.m. and Ursinus College at 12:15 p.m.
