Generals turn back Pioneers, win first game at nationals

Rochester, Minnesota – The mighty Herkimer offense and sound pitching by Alexa DiSpirito and Toni Secreti combined to defeat Anne Arundel CC 12-1 in opening-round action at the Division III National Championship Tournament on Thursday afternoon.

The tournament is a double-elimination event featuring Division III's elite eight teams. The Generals defeated the Maryland team in the game that began at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. They will play again in a 5:00 (EDT) game, meeting the winner of the first-round game between Rock Valley College of Illinois and Itasca CC of Minnesota.

Herkimer was the visiting team in the 1:00 game. They scored in their half of the first inning when Delaney Buckley's line drive to left field brought home Jessica Patterelli.

The Pioneers of Anne Arundel tied the game 1-1 with a walk and a double. That was the only hit that Herkimer pitcher Alexa DiSpirito allowed in her four innings of work. DiSpirito was very effective, and the defense was solid despite committing two errors.

Toni Secreti stepped into the circle to pitch the fifth and final inning. Secreti put the Pioneers out with two strikeouts and a fly to Rebekah Kitchen in right field.

The game was limited to five innings by the five-run rule. The run rule is in effect for all tournament games except the championship game(s).

The Generals mounted an 18-hit attack and scored in every inning. The onslaught included a home run by Kitchen and timely hitting by the entire team. Herkimer "got 'em on base and moved 'em around" with consistent, run-building hitting.

The top of the Generals' order – Jess Patterelli, Samantha Smaldone, and Stephanie Siriano – combined for 10 hits. Every General had at least one hit. Kitchen had two hits and three runs batted in.

The temperature at the tournament site reached 80 degrees after the Generals' first game. The team will be getting a bit of rest before taking on either Rock Valley or Itasca.

Herkimer 1-1-2-4-4 12-18-2

Anne Arundel 1-0-0-0-0 1-1-0

2B: Siriano, Sterritt

3B: Balfe

HR: Kitchen

WP: DiSpirito (10-0)

Nick Scribe – from staff reports