Cocks Hits Milestones As Softball Splits With Maine
GAME ONE I GAME TWO
ALBANY, N.Y. -- Senior shortstop Maggie Cocks became the University at Albany softball program's second all-time hits leader and tied the program's all-time RBI record, knocking her 205th career hit and 156th career RBI Saturday afternoon in UAlbany's 2-1 win over the University of Maine. The Black Bears took game two, 3-1, splitting the key conference doubleheader. UAlbany now owns a 28-12 overall record and 8-1 mark in the America East, while Maine sits at 19-16 on the season and 7-3 in conference play.
"That was two well played, well pitched games by both teams today," said Head Coach Chris Cannata. "These are the types of games that we are going to be in from here on out, so we need to keep our focus, keep the intensity, and continue to keep getting better every game."
"I was very proud of Maggie becoming one of our all-time career hits leaders today with her game tying base hit in the first game," added Cannata. "We have had a lot of great hitters that have played at Albany over the years, so for her to be at the top of that list is a great accomplishment. She has worked really hard here every single day to be become the best player that she can be. And that shows every time she takes the field."
In the game-one pitching duel, sophomore Devin Durando (14-5) earned the win, holding the Black Bears just one run and four hits while striking out eight.
Maine's Molly Flowers (8-9) took the loss despite allowing just three hits and two runs, striking out 10.
The Black Bears took a quick 1-0 lead in the top of the first after a leadoff walk and Janelle Bouchard's RBI single up the middle. However, that would be the visitors' last run, as Durando held Maine hitless in the final 4.2 innings.
UAlbany tied it up in the bottom of the third as freshman Sarah Petzold led off the frame with a looping single up the middle. With two outs, Cocks recorded her record-breaking single to centerfield for a 1-1 score.
The Danes took the lead for good on sophomore Donna Conrad's leadoff home run over the left field wall for a 2-1 advantage.
In game two, Maine took the initial lead again, as Erika Leonard belted a leadoff homer in the third.
The Great Danes tied it up in the bottom half of the inning, 1-1, as junior Kayla Bailey laid down a bunt single, stole second, advanced to third on senior Kelly Costello's infield hit, and scored on a misplayed grounder at first.
However, the Black Bears took control from there, taking the lead on Bouchard's leadoff home run in the sixth. Maine added an insurance run in the top of the seventh, stringing together a pair of hits.
Freshman pitcher Celeste Verdolivo (13-5) took the loss, allowing three runs and nine hits, while striking out six in the complete game.
Erin Bogdanovich (6-4) picked up the win, holding the Great Danes to one unearned run and two hits, while striking out six.
Up next, UAlbany and Maine wrap up the series with Sunday's 12 p.m. rubber game at Albany Field.
