Softball Generals sweep Twins in first round of playoffs

Herkimer, NY – The Generals hosted Columbia-Greene in the best-of-three first round of postseason games on Saturday afternoon. Herkimer swept the Twins 8-0 and 10-2, earning a trip to the Region 3A championship series next weekend. The Generals played well overall, and they got two stellar pitching performances from Toni Secreti and Jessica Patterelli in games that were both shortened to five innings by the run rule.

It was a beautiful day for softball on the Herkimer hilltop. The sky was blue, the temps were well into the 70s, and the wind was moderate. Further, new banners adorned the dugouts and outfield fences, making the softball venue more attractive than ever.

Game One

Toni Secreti has pitched many fine games this spring, and her outing on Saturday was among her finest. Secreti threw a no-hitter and was only one error away from a perfect game. She went five innings, striking out three and walking none.

Photo: Jess Patterelli rounding third in the first inning

The Generals gave Secreti plenty of run support. They exploded for five runs in the home half of the first inning. Patterelli led off the game with a double and scored on a Stephanie Siriano sacrifice fly. Delaney Buckley followed with an RBI single, and then Tina Karaqi, Ashley Sterritt, and Alyssa Balfe hit three doubles in a row.

Tina Karaqi (3-3) and Ashley Sterritt (2-2, 2 2B's, 2 RBI) led the offense. Alyssa Balfe (2-3, 2 RBI) and Delaney Buckley (2-2, RBI) had multi-hit games, while Steph Siriano added a single.

Game Two

Jess Patterelli stepped into the circle for Herkimer, and she was also dominant. Patterelli went five innings, was touched for two unearned runs, struck out two, and walked no one. The Twins had four hits – three flies that dropped just behind the infielders and an infield single.

The first inning ended with a nice catch by Herkimer right fielder Fallon Spriggs. Spriggs got a good jump on the ball and ran it down in foul territory.

Photo: Fallon Spriggs hauls it in

The Twins' third inning also ended with a memorable defensive play. Columbia-Greene had a runner on first with one out. The next batter sent a fly ball into short center field. Herkimer's Steph Siriano ran in, made the catch, then fired a perfect throw to first base, doubling off the runner and completing a rare "8, 8-3" double play.

Herkimer made several fine defensive plays. Third baseman Ashley Sterritt once again was solid at the hot corner. (See photo below.) Sterritt and shortstop Tina Karaqi teamed up on a remarkably heads-up play in the fourth inning. The Twins had runners on first and second when a line drive went just too far to Sterritt's left for her to control. It glanced off her glove, but shortstop Karaqi was in great position. Karaqi grabbed the ball and outraced the Twins' runner to third base for the force out.

Herkimer's offense was led by Courtney Gumprecht (3-3, 3B, 3 RBI's). Patterelli also helped her own cause, going two-for-four with three runs batted in. Delaney Buckley (2-3, 2B, RBI) Tina Karaqi (2-2) and Fallon Spriggs (2-2, 2B, RBI) all had multi-hit games. Steph Siriano (1-2, RBI) Alyssa Balfe (1-2, 2B) Sammy Smaldone (1-3) and Ashley Sterritt (1-3) all added base hits.

The Generals will travel to Tompkins-Cortland ("TC3") on Friday for the best-of-three Region 3A Championship. They will meet either TC3 or Onondaga. TC3 and OCC also played today. They split their doubleheader, so they will play their deciding game on Sunday.

Nick Scribe, website writer

Game One
CGCC 000 00 0-0-2
Herkimer 500 03 8-11-1
WP-Secreti (13-1), LP- Wilson
2B- Herk- Patterelli, Karaqi, Sterritt (2), Balfe
Herkimer 36-2

Game Two
CGCC 000 20 2-4-1
Herkimer 040 51 10-14-2
WP- Patterelli (8-0), LP- Wilson
2B- Herk- Buckley, Spriggs, Balfe
3B- Herk- Gumprecht
Herkimer 37-2