Posted: Mar 28, 2021

Seven-Run Seventh Pushes Spartans Over Timberwolves

Cayuga leadoff hitter Gabriella Bard scores the first run of the Spartans' 18-17 win over SUNY Adirondack on Sunday, March 28. The Spartans scored seven runs in the final inning for the comeback win.

A dramatic seven-run seventh inning lifted the Cayuga Community College Spartans Softball Team to a thrilling 18-17 win over SUNY Adirondack on Sunday.

Playing their first contest at Falcon Park, the Spartans built an early 9-1 lead but had to overcome a 17-11 deficit in the final inning to defeat the Timberwolves. The win lifts the Spartans to 1-2 on the season.

Cayuga Coach Chris Amoia credited the team for their determination to get the season's first win after losing twice to the same SUNY Adirondack team on Saturday.

"This team has incredible heart. After the way we lost yesterday, and then thinking about it the whole drive home, it can be tough to come back the next day and play the same team," said Amoia. "Then to get the lead today but then fall behind, they kept fighting and coming back. I'm proud of them."

The offensive fireworks started early for the Spartans. Doubles by Abigail Marinelli, Olivia Maassen and Kyra Cotrill helped Cayuga build a five-run lead in the first inning. Marinelli smashed a solo home run over the leftfield scoreboard in the second, and singles by Kate Stoddard and Gabriella Bard drove in three more runs in the third to stake Cayuga to a 9-1 lead.

SUNY Adirondack struck back over the next four innings, plating six runs in the fourth, four in the fifth and three runs each in the sixth and seventh innings.

Faced with a six-run deficit in the seventh, the Spartans loaded the bases with no outs. Four straight singles and a fielder's choice left the Spartans trailing 17-16 with two runners on base and one out. Stoddard sliced a single into the outfield, driving in Cotrill and Skyler White for the tying and winning runs, respectively.

Cotrill and Marinelli led the Spartans' attack, with Cotrill finishing five-for-five with three doubles, two runs scored and five RBI. Marinelli finished three-for-five with two doubles, a homer and three runs scored. Maasen, White, Stoddard and Taylor Hunter each recorded multiple hits for Cayuga.

The second half of the scheduled doubleheader was rained out. The Spartans take the field Friday, April 2, with an away doubleheader at Jefferson Community College. First pitch is scheduled for noon.