Softball Sweeps Weekend Slate with Play4Kay and Senior Day Victories

CONTACT: Julia Quinlan, j.quinlan@hvcc.edu, (518) 629-7863 or (518) 530-7376
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Sunday, April 26, 2026

The Hudson Valley Community College softball team delivered a statement weekend at home, earning a four-game sweep over the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and SUNY Niagara across a pair of meaningful events: the Play4Kay Women's Cancer Awareness Games on Saturday and Senior Day on Sunday.

Hudson Valley opened the weekend with a hard-fought 9-8 victory over CCRI in game one on Saturday. The Vikings built a four-run lead in the sixth inning and held on despite a late push from the Lady Knights. Bridget Danskin led the offense with three RBIs, while Ella Sawitzki paced the lineup with a perfect 3-for-3 performance at the plate. Samantha Graham, Gracelyn Kilburn, and Keeley Kristel each contributed multiple hits in a balanced team effort. Sawitzki also earned the win in the circle, pitching six innings in relief and striking out six.

The Vikings followed with a dominant 17-1 victory in game two, powered by an explosive offensive showing. Gracelyn Kilburn delivered one of the top performances of the season, driving in five runs on three hits, including a triple, double, and home run. Samantha Graham added a home run of her own, while Keeley Kristel contributed multiple hits and RBIs. Hudson Valley displayed patience at the plate, drawing eight walks, and remained aggressive on the basepaths with three stolen bases. Kristel earned the win, striking out six over five innings.

On Sunday, Hudson Valley continued its momentum with a thrilling 8-7 walk-off victory over SUNY Niagara in game one of the Senior Day doubleheader. With the game tied in the bottom of the seventh, Sophia Currao delivered the game-winning moment with a solo home run to left field. Currao also led the team with three RBIs, while Danskin, Graham, and Kristel each recorded two hits. Sawitzki went the distance in the circle to earn the win.

The Vikings capped off the weekend with a 10-3 victory in game two to complete the sweep. Samantha Graham led the way offensively with four RBIs, highlighted by a three-run home run in the second inning. Keeley Kristel was dominant in the circle, tossing a complete game with nine strikeouts and allowing just one earned run. Katie Stevens added two hits and two stolen bases, helping Hudson Valley continue its aggressive approach on the basepaths.

Hudson Valley returns to action at home on Tuesday, April 28, when the Vikings host Mohawk Valley Community College for a doubleheader scheduled for 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.