The New York University softball team began its eight-game Florida trip with matchups against Utica College and McDaniel College on Monday, March 12, at the Osceola Softball Complex in Kissimmee.

The Violets (2-2 ) were edged by one run in each game, falling to Utica (1-2) in a slugfest 12-11 and to McDaniel (3-6) by a score of 6-5.

First-Game Recap:

After allowing three runs to the Pioneers in the top of the first, a pair of two-run triples off the bats of Caroline Saccacio and Diana King highlighted a seven-run bottom of the inning.

Sabrina Stransky's grand slam gave Utica a 9-7 lead in the top of the fourth, which NYU countered with a two-run single by Taylor Kenerson in the same inning.

The Pioneers went back in front with a three-run sixth.

The Violets inched closer with single runs in the sixth (Saccacio home run) and seventh (Saccacio sacrifice fly), but could not plate the equalizer   

Second-Game Recap:

NYU scored in the top of the first in the nitecap as King walked, stole second and eventually came around to score on a sacrifice fly by Saccacio. 

After McDaniel tied the score in the bottom of the frame, King's two-run single in the top of the second gave the Violets another lead.

The Green Terror again tied the score in the bottom of the second, but NYU scored single runs in the third and fourth. King provided most of the impetus for that fifth NYU run as she walked, stole two bases and scored on an infield error.   

However, it was the last run the Violets managed on the day. McDaniel tied the game with two in the fifth and then walked-off with the win on Morgan Scardina's bases-loaded bloop to right field in the bottom of the seventh.  

"With the weather we've been experiencing in New York, it was nice to get out on the field and play softball again," said Head Coach Now-Allah James. "Of course it's disappointing to lose two close games, but we look forward to better results as the week here in Florida continues and the season progresses.". 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORES:

Game 1:

- King went 4-for-5 with a triple, double, stolen base, two RBIs, and a run scored. 

- Saccacio had three hits, four RBIs, three runs scored, a home run, triple and sacrifice fly.

- Kenerson finished with two hits and two RBIs.

- Morgan Clemens had a perfect morning, going 2-for-2 with two walks and two runs scored.

- Mary Tindall recorded a double and two RBIs.

Game 2:

- King finished with four stolen bases while going 2-for-3 with a walk, two runs scored and two RBIs. 

- Claire Stefanelli had the only other hit in the game for NYU.

- Scarlett Murphy started for the Violets and allowed three earned runs in her six innings while striking out four. Olivia Mould was charged with the loss in relief.

"We had some great individual performances today," James added. "We just have to put all facets of the game together and we'll be fine."

The Violets are right back at the Osceola Softball Complex with two games on Tuesday. NYU faces Ramapo College at 1:30pm and The College of New Jersey at 3:45pm.