After nearly pulling off a big win in the opener, the Panthers softball team came back in the nightcap to beat the #2-ranked team in the region by 12 runs. After dropping game one 12-9, TC3 beat Hudson Valley Community College in game two, 21-9 in six innings. The Panthers are now 2-6 overall and in region while Hudson Valley, ranked #2 in the latest Region 3 coaches poll, drops to 12-8 overall, 11-3 in region.

Game One: Hudson Valley 12, Tompkins Cortland 9

The visiting Vikings struck first with three runs in the top of the first, but the Panthers answered with five in the bottom of the inning. After four more in the second, the Panthers had a 9-3 lead. The margin held until the fifth when Hudson Valley struck for four to pull within two at 9-7. While the Panthers were being held off the bases , the Vikings completed their comeback with five runs in the sixth, taking a lead into the last inning, and holding on for the 12-9 win.

Brooklynn Seiger and Matisyn Lord each had two hits in the opener for the Panthers.

Game Two: Tompkins Cortland 21, Hudson Valley 9  (six innings)

In each game this year, the Panthers have led in the early innings, and in most cases, been unable to hold the lead. In game two, the Panthers flipped the script. Hudson Valley scored first and held a 5-1 lead after three innings. In the fourth, the Panthers went to work. After a groundout to open the inning, Brooklynn Seiger ran into one for home run, sparking a nine-run inning that ended with another home run from Seiger, this time a two-run shot that made the score 10-5 in favor of the Panthers. After keeping the Vikings off the board, TC3 added four more in the fifth, making the score 14-5. When Hudson Valley scored twice in their half of the fifth, the game continued with TC3 ahead 14-5. In the sixth, the Panthers scored seven runs to seal the win.

Five different Panthers drove in at least three runs each, and five different Panthers had at least two hits. Sophie Mayer was in both categories, going 3-for-5 with four RBI. Matisyn Lord and Seiger each had three hits and three RBI and Elizabeth Martin and Makayla Esau each had two hits. Olivia Wagner finished with three RBI and Peyton Swartwout had four RBI while also earning the win in the circle, tossing a complete game and striking out three.

Looking ahead

The Panthers travel to Jefferson Community College on Tuesday.