The softball squad has a 12 game winning streak and stands 15-3 as the Dutchwomen play at Utica Tuesday. On Wednesday, Union will mark the 2005 home debut at newly renovated Alexander Field, hosting a strong Oneonta squad at 3 p.m. Last week, freshman outfielder Kelly Owings (Oswego/Oswego) continued her torrid play. She had two hits each in three games, including two each in the doubleheader against Liberty League rival St. Lawrence, and was named the league's Co-Rookie of the Week. She shares the honor with Rochester outfielder Jessica Sorrentino.
Owings has been a major sparkplug in the softball engine this spring. She leads a veteran laden club with a .500 average in 12 games, and also has a team best five steals. She has struck out only three times in 30 at bats in her first collegiate season.
“Kelly has really surprised us with her play,” commented Union softball coach Peter Brown. “She has great bat control and is very fast. Kelly always seems to be on base and score runs. She also gives us another lefty bat.”
Campus workers have been busily prepping the new look Alexander Field complex. Sparkling dugouts, a scoreboard and a beautiful new infield are ready to go. After Wednesday, the Dutchwomen will play at RIT Saturday and Rochester Sunday. But Alexander Field will get a workout from April 24-26, with three straight Liberty League twinbills against Skidmore, Rensselaer and Hamilton.
On another diamond, the Union baseball team opened the home season Sunday with a super sweep over New Paltz. The Dutchmen got timely hitting and solid pitching en route to the pair of victories over the Hawks. Another freshman off to a great start is Zach Tillo (Lancaster, MA/Exeter), who is hitting .375 and blasted a three-run homer down the left field line in the 7-0 victory in the nightcap. It was no contest in the arms race Sunday, as Union got complete game victories by senior Frank Arcuri (Utica/Proctor) and junior Ben McGuire (Gloversville/Gloversville). Arcuri (three hitter with six K's) has a 2.04 ERA on the season while McGuire (seven inning shutout with eight K's) stands at 1.88.
“It was a great day for us to turn things around and get on the winning track,” Arcuri said. “Returning home to Central Park gave the team a boost, and we were finally able to get our pitching, hitting and defense on the same page.
“With a core of experienced seniors and a lot of talented underclassmen, I'm anxious to see how everything will come together and we can make some noise in the Liberty League.”
The Dutchmen host Hamilton Tuesday and feature five games in three days this weekend, with Rensselaer Friday for two, Vassar for a pair Saturday, and then a single game Sunday vs. RIT.
In other Union sports action this week, women's lacrosse has a very, very, VERY big game against Skidmore Tuesday night. The Dutchwomen, winners of four straight, take a 4-1 second place league mark into a home date at Bailey Field against the league leading, 5-0 Thoroughbreds at 6 p.m. Crew had a successful home weekend Saturday and Sunday and will host St. Lawrence Saturday at 12 p.m. Men's lacrosse takes on Hartwick under the lights at Bailey Field Wednesday night at 7 p.m., and men's tennis has three road matches in four days, at Middlebury (Tuesday), Utica (Wednesday) and Oneonta (Friday). The Liberty League meet awaits the men's and women's track and field teams Saturday at Hamilton at 12 p.m.