Generals Rally Falls Short in High-Scoring Loss to Genesee

HERKIMER, N.Y. – The Herkimer College softball team battled offensively throughout the afternoon, but a big fourth inning by Genesee Community College proved to be the difference as the Generals dropped a 20-10 decision on Saturday.

Despite the loss, Herkimer put together one of its strongest offensive performances of the season, collecting 13 hits and scoring 10 runs against the Cougars.

Genesee struck first with an RBI single in the opening inning before the Generals answered in the bottom of the third. Alexis Broderick delivered the biggest swing of the inning, launching a three-run home run to center field to give Herkimer a 3-1 advantage.

The Cougars responded with a decisive fourth inning, erupting for 12 runs on 14 hits to reclaim the lead. Caitlin Ryan highlighted the rally with a bases-clearing triple as Genesee built a 13-3 cushion.

Herkimer refused to go away, answering with six runs in the bottom half of the inning. Ariana Ferraro drove in a run with a sacrifice fly before Autumn Roberts, Emma Carlton, and Olivia Perry each collected RBI hits. The Generals also capitalized on a passed ball and a fielder's choice to trim the deficit, but they were unable to complete the comeback.

Broderick paced the Generals' offense, finishing 2-for-5 with a three-run homer and three RBIs. Lauren Kelly turned in a perfect day at the plate, going 3-for-3 to lead Herkimer in hits. Carlton and Perry each added multiple-hit performances, while Roberts reached base twice on walks as the Generals drew five free passes.

Defensively, Herkimer played an error-free game and turned two double plays. Brianna Molter handled five defensive chances to lead the Generals in the field.

Emma Powers was charged with the loss after allowing 11 runs over 3.1 innings. Genesee's Shelby Scharfen earned the victory, working 3.2 innings in relief.

Genesee finished with 27 hits, led by Ryan, who went 5-for-6 with four RBIs and two stolen bases. Scharfen also drove in four runs, while Kaylynn O'Connell, Elizabeth Wells, Kiara Van Der Jagt, Seadra Leisge, and Danielle DeLuke each recorded multiple hits for the Cougars.