NEW PALTZ – Falling behind by multiple runs early and finding nearly no success for a majority of the afternoon against a powerhouse program, it would have been an easy option for the New Paltz softball team to give in and move on to the next game on the schedule. For a program that insists it’s their time to shine, the Huguenots created a spark on Thursday that they hope lasts the rest of the season.
Falling down by four runs against the five-time defending section champion Marlboro program, New Paltz used a miraculous six-run fifth inning to complete a highly-emotional 6-4 comeback victory over the Dukes. More impressive than the runs itself was the way they came about, Huguenots batters battled through two-strike and two-out counts in that entire fifth frame to scratch out the crucial runs.
“We had talked so much about how to make changes throughout the game. If the pitcher is throwing outside, if the pitcher is throwing off-speed, how do you make those changes and capitalize on it. That was a perfect example,” New Paltz coach Lauren Motzkin said after the win. “We knew where she was throwing, we made the adjustment and they were hitting the ball really well.”
The adjustments were completely team-wide during the comeback effort, as evident with the bottom of the lineup being the catalyst of that six-run inning to begin with. Sophomore Anna Maiale highlighted the effort with a 2-for-3 day at the plate, smacking two doubles while grabbing an RBI. Gabby Torre and Madison Braren each finished with a double and two RBIs while Lila DiSciullo also secured a hit and an RBI. Senior Bella Morales also collected a pair of hits and scored a run in the middle of the order.
“It was crazy, it started at the bottom of the lineup, which is always awesome and everyone contributed in some way,” Morales said. “We’ve already been saying that this is our year, we’re going to do what we’ve been saying we’re going to do for so long. This just makes it feels like it’s confirmed.”
Allowing three runs in the first few frames on the mound, Torre’s ability to settle in and control Marlboro’s bats was just as impressive. Showing the ability to get roughed up early and continue to stay level-headed and focused, the mental fortitude should also only breed hope and optimism into the program. In the end, Torre finished with a complete game victory, striking out 14 batters while not allowing a single walk in the contest.
“She’s starting to have more confidence… this year there’s just a different mentality about her and I’m hoping that we can build off that and grow off that,” Motzkin said about her junior pitcher. “If she can have those types of games where she can fight through it a little bit, we’re going to have a good year.”
For Marlboro, Kiera Del Salto was nearly unstoppable at the top of the lineup, going 3-for-4 at the plate with four stolen bases and three runs. Taylor Castellani finished the contest going 2-for-4 with three RBIs and a run scored. Sam Maleck went 2-for-3 at the plate while Olivia Hite and Katie Mohl each tallied a hit.
It’s just one game, but the head coach for New Paltz truly believes in the overall potential of this group. It’s just about staying consistent and focused as the schedule rolls on.
“I trust this team more than they know, I’ve had a lot of them for four years and I just want so much for them. They’re a championship team, they just need to believe in themselves and know how to win. I think we’ll just build on this.”
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: New Paltz uses six-run frame to complete comeback over Marlboro
Reporting by Eric Decker, Poughkeepsie Journal / Poughkeepsie Journal
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