The Plattsburgh State softball team (16-10) returns from a dominant outing of weekend play against Geneseo and Brockport.
The Cardinals went a perfect 4-0 over the week by sweeping their doubleheaders against Geneseo and Brockport. Their focus now has to be shifted on their next opponent, the Oswego State Lakers (6-12).
“When the bats get going, everything falls into place for us,” freshman pitcher Rhea Pitkin said. “Our energy and confidence grows every time.”
The defense and pitching was alive for the Cards as they only gave up six runs over the span of four games. On offense, PSUC collected 42 hits while driving in 24 runs.
Katie Pitkin continues her dominance in season play as she was named the Eastern College Athletic Conference Player of the week for her performance.
This is the first award received from the ECAC for Pitkin.
Pitkin was masterful in 14 innings of work and went 2-0 during the week for the Cards. Pitkin posted a 1.00 ERA, and struck out 12 batters while only yielding eight hits during sweeps of both Geneseo and Brockport.
Pitkin is currently leading the SUNYAC in wins (9) and tied for the lead in strikeouts (65).
Confidence couldn’t have been any higher for the Cards, but sweeping two opponents should be no cause for early celebrations.
During their series against the Knights, PSUC was locked in and determined to sweep both games.
“Finding our groove early was big for us especially early in the season,” sophomore outfielder Jennifer Sarcone said.
Improvements from the defense were evident, and giving up more runs than normal did not steer this defense off track. The team may have found the formula to winning it all.
“We’ve been preparing and we’ll be ready to go,” junior outfielder Amanda Tantillo said.
Their series against the Golden Eagles only further solidify their spot in the SUNYAC, improving to (7-1) in conference play. Rhea Pitkin tossed a gem for the Cards in game 2 of their doubleheader. Pitkin pitched four innings of mastery, becoming more and more composed as the game progressed. Pitkin gave up two hits and two walks, but would not allow the Golden Eagles to use it as momentum.
“Defense was a major component for us over the weekend,” sophomore third baseman Amy Glashoff said. “Everyone stepped up when we needed them to.”
Their bats toned it down a bit compared to last week’s performance, but shifted more toward a strong defensive mindset. Baed on their play, defense and pitching were their main focus points as offense took a back seat.
However, that shouldn’t take away from the fact that the Cards’ are hitting on all cylinders. Opponents cannot figure out PSUC’s offensive or defensive strategy. The Cards will continue to be a problem for opponents if confidence remains high.
Freshman first baseman Haleigh Agans was named the Eastern College Athletic Conference Softball Rookie of the Week, a first for Agans from the ECAC.
Agans was on fire batting .500 with a blistering slugging percentage of .833. She collected seven RBIs, three multi-hit games and hit a home run. Agans is hitting .333 for the season and is currently riding a 13-game hit streak.
She is tied for the team lead in home runs (2) and is currently leading the team in RBIs (17).
With two more series completed, PSCU must now shift its focus onto the Oswego State Lakers.
The Cards will face off against the Lakers in a doubleheader Friday, April 14 at Cardinal Park beginning at 3 p.m.
Email John Peralta at sports@cardinalpointsonline.com
