Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

Ithaca, NY – After falling in game one to Ithaca College, 4-0, Mikayla Bean '14 hit a RBI single to help the EC Softball team rally to win game two, 4-3, in the top of the 12^th inning Sunday afternoon at Kostrinsky Field. The win helps EC secure the No. 2 seed in the Empire 8 Conference Tournament and knock the Bombers out of the tournament. The Soaring Eagles improve to 18-8 overall and 8-4 in the Empire 8, while Bombers fall to 19-11 overall and 7-5 in the conference.  

In the opening game the Soaring Eagles struggled to find its rhythm offensively, while the Bombers came ready to play. Adrienne Walters hit in the Bombers' first run during the bottom of the second inning. In the bottom of the third, Ithaca extended its lead to 3-0 when Julianne Vincent hit a two-run blast over the left field fence. In the bottom of the fifth, Sydney Folk came through for the Bombers with a solo shot to secure the game one victory. Game one was a tough outing for Alex Puglisi '14 as she gave up a season high four earned runs, while only striking out two batters. However, Puglisi would soon settle in and be ready for whatever the Bombers tried to do in game two. 

The first eight innings of game two was a pitcher's duel as neither pitcher looked to ease up from the pressure situation. Katie Hobson '13 earned the game's first RBI as she helped Jacquelyn Heggie '16 score the first run in the top of the ninth inning. The Bombers would tie it up in the bottom of the ninth with Rachel Dell'Orto hitting a RBI single up the middle. The Soaring Eagles were able to get back on top in the 11th inning when Julianne Heggie '16 came through with a clutch two RBI double down the left field line. However, Ithaca did not fear as Brooke Powers and Vincent each came through for RBI doubles to tie it up at 3-3. In the 12, with Krystal Bupp '14 on third base and Puglisi on first base, Bean hit a single through the left side scoring Bupp and giving EC the 4-3 lead going into the bottom half of the inning. After the Bombers were able to get a runner on third base, Bean stepped up huge in the field for EC turning a double play to end the game. In game two Puglisi earned her 13 win of the season throwing 12 innings, giving up eight hits and two earned runs, while striking out six batters.

The win in game two has helped Elmira earn the No. 2 seed in the Empire 8 Conference Tournament which will take place on May 3rd and 4th at Utica College. In preparation for the conference tournament the Soaring Eagles will have three more doubleheaders this week. The first will be on Tuesday, April 23 at St. Lawrence University starting at 3 and 5 p.m. The second will take place on Thursday, April 25 at home against RPI starting at 3 and 5 p.m. The final game will take place on Saturday, April 27 at home against Houghton College starting at 1 and 3 p.m.