Generals subdue Saints

Herkimer, NY – The Herkimer softball team hosted a scrappy squad from North Country Community College on Thursday afternoon. The Generals defeated the visiting Saints in both games of the doubleheader, winning 16-4 and 19-0.

The field required a good deal of preparation after the soaking rains that had fallen overnight, but the Herkimer College staff did a good job of getting it ready. By game time, the weather was the most pleasant of the northern season so far. The temps were in the low 50s, the sun was bright and the wind was moderate, blowing from left field to right.

Game One

Head Coach PJ Anadio sent Alyssa LaLonde into the circle. She responded with a solid performance and a complete game – the game being shortened by the run rule. LaLonde held the visitors scoreless until the third inning.

The Generals struck quickly, plating four runs in the first inning. They did it with heads-up base running and a two-RBI single into right field by Ashley Sterritt.

Herkimer scored two more runs in the second frame. Samantha Smaldone and Stephanie Siriano stroked back-to-back home runs. Both home run strokes were beautiful – firm and controlled without over-swinging. The blast was Smaldone's 10th of the season, and Siriano's eighth. Siriano went on to hit her ninth round-tripper later in the game.

Photo: Sammy Smaldone, top, and Steph Siriano hitting back-to-back homers in the second inning

The Generals added six more runs in the third inning, with five hits and a walk. The biggest hit was Courtney Gumprecht's double to deep left.

LaLonde and the defense kept things nicely under control the rest of the way. The final score was 16-4.

NCCC 003 10 4-6-1

Herkimer 426 4x 16-16-0

WP- LaLonde (4-1), LP- Biers

2B- Herkimer- Sterritt, NCCC-Kezar

HR- Herk- Siriano (2), Smaldone

Game Two

Alyssa LaLonde was pitching well so she was sent into the circle again for Game Two. She responded with a complete-game shutout. LaLonde pitched all five innings again, allowing only three base hits and no runs. She received plenty of run support as Herkimer put up 16 runs in the first two innings and 19 in the game.

Photo: Third baseman Ashley Sterritt gets the out at first; shortstop Tina Karaqi backs her up

The attack was led by Ashley Sterritt (4-4, HR, 3 RBI's), Delaney Buckley (2-3, 2 2B's, 3 RBI), Kat Dolly (3-4, 2B, 3 RBI) and Caitlin Sanders (3-4 2B, 3 RBI). Jess Patterelli (3-3, RBI) Shannon Lombardi (2-2, 2 RBI), Sammy Smaldone (2-3, 2 RBI) and Steph Siriano (1-3, 3B, RBI) also had good games at the plate. Courtney Tasco, Fallon Spriggs and Alyssa Balfe each contributed a hit.

Herkimer will now travel to Olean on Saturday to meet Jamestown-Cattaraugus and will play Niagara on Sunday before returning home for a big doubleheader vs Monroe on Tuesday.

NCCC 000 00 0-3-4

Herkimer 5(11)0 3x 19-24-0

WP- Lalonde (5-1), LP- LaPage

2B- Herk- Buckley (2), Dolly, Sanders

3B- Herk- Siriano

HR- Herk- Sterritt

Herkimer 27-2, 23-1, 9-1