No. 16 Ithaca Sweeps Softball in Conference Doubleheader

ELMIRA, NY - In their second Empire 8 doubleheader of the weekend, the Soaring Eagles (4-8, 0-8 E8) who are still looking for their first conference win, were defeated by Nationally ranked Ithaca College (19-5, 8-0) in back-to-back games Sunday afternoon at Eldridge Park Stadium.

The first game which went all seven innings saw only one hit on the part of the Purple and Gold, which came from shortstop Katrina Katen ’09 (Deposit, NY -- Deposit). On the mound Casandra Fontinell ’11 (Shoreham, NY -- Islip) battled to keep the Bombers off of the scoreboard throughout the entire afternoon.

Despite giving up an early run in the top of the first inning, the Soaring Eagles defense managed to keep Ithaca’s offense at bay. However in the top of the third, Ithaca was able to gain some breathing room, on a couple of Soaring Eagle errors, which allowed the Bombers to add two more runs on the scoreboard.

EC would end game one allowing only three more single run innings, falling to Ithaca by the score of 6-0. In the nightcap, Elmira did show much more poise both defensively and offensively.

Stephany Fontinell ’11 (Shoreham, NY -- Islip) who made just her third career start in the contest went 6 innings allowing a total of 8 hits, 4 runs, 2 walks, and had 1 strikeout.

The game remained scoreless up to the bottom of the fourth, with Ithaca scoring a pair of runs. They then sealed the victory in the bottom of the sixth on another two run showing securing the 4-0 decision.

Jacqueline Gibson ’11 (Jersey Shore, PA -- Jersey Shore Area) tallied a pair of hits for EC while Cassandra Bishop ’10 (Honesdale, PA -- Honesdale) and S. Fontinell each managed a hit a piece.

This upcoming week will be a busy one for the Purple and Gold as they will face a total of 6 opponents in 7 days. EC opens up their week long schedule tomorrow afternoon when they travel to Wells College for a non-conference doubleheader, with the first pitch being thrown at 3 p.m.

Game 1
Ithaca College 6, Elmira College 0
Box Score

Ithaca College (18-5, 7-0 E8) 102   101   1   -   6 9 0
Elmira College (4-7, 0-7 E8)  000   000   0   -   0 1 9

Brooke Kitchart (2-0) and Kerry Barger. Casandra Fontinell (2-4) and Natalie Lesieur. 2B-Kerry Barger (I), 3B-Chelsey Feldman (I), HR-Nicole Cade (I)

Game 2
Elmira College 0, Ithaca College 4
Box Score

Elmira College (4-8, 0-8 E8)   000   000   0   -   0 4 3
Ithaca College (19-5, 8-0 E8)  000   202   x   -   4 8 0

Stephany Fontinell (0-3) and Caitlin Roman. Carly Myers (11-2) and Kerry Barger. HR-Kerry Barger (I)