Softball Splits Home Doubleheader with Herkimer

CONTACT: Julia Quinlan, j.quinlan@hvcc.edu, (518) 629-7863 or (518) 530-7376
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Hudson Valley Community College softball earned a split in its home doubleheader against Herkimer on Wednesday, falling 9-3 in game one before bouncing back with an 8-2 victory in game two.

In the opener, the Vikings jumped out early, taking a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Kristel sparked the offense with a two-run home run, and Kilburn followed with an RBI single. However, Herkimer responded with a decisive seven-run second inning to take control of the game and secure the 9-3 win. Kristel led Hudson Valley at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while Graham paced the offense with three hits. Bonafede and Kilburn each added multiple hits in the effort. Kristel also went the distance in the circle, striking out eight over seven innings.

The Vikings turned the page quickly in game two, using an explosive first inning to set the tone. Hudson Valley plated five runs in the opening frame, highlighted by a two-run groundout from Bonafede, a solo home run from Graham, an RBI double by Pryor, and an RBI single from Sawitzki. Hudson Valley continued to build its lead, adding another run in the third on Sawitzki's second hit of the game, and never looked back en route to the 8-2 win. Sawitzki earned the victory in the circle, allowing just one hit and two runs (none earned) over five innings. Offensively, Pryor drove in three runs while going 2-for-3, and Graham and Sawitzki each recorded two hits. Stevens also added pressure on the basepaths with two stolen bases.

With the split, the Vikings continue to build momentum as they move forward in their season. They return home on Saturday, 4/1 as they face Jefferson at home at 1pm and 3pm.