Ostrom Nearly Throws Perfect Game as UAlbany Splits Two at Rebel Games

KISSIMMEE, FLA - Junior Emily Ostrom highlighted the University at Albany softball team's first day at the Rebel Games with a near perfect game. UAlbany split their first two games in Kissimmee on Thursday, March 14. Ostrom, a converted infielder, hurled seven innings of one-hit ball in a 7-0 win over Saint Peter's University. She lost a perfect game bid with one out in the seventh. In game two, the Great Danes were defeated, by Fairleigh Dickinson University, 7-4.

Saint Peter's: UAlbany (5-7) saw their bats come alive against the Peacocks. They strung together nine hits, putting the game away with a four-run seventh inning. America East Rookie of the Week, Maggie Cocks, continued right where she left off at the Coastal Carolina Invitational. The freshman drove in three off two hits.

Ostrom was sensational in the start. Still in her first year on the mound, the righty improved to 3-2 on the season. She allowed one hit over the complete game performance, striking out three and walking zero.

Reigning America East Player of the Year, Charlise Castro, reached base safety in all four at-bats. She connected for an RBI double, going 2-for-2 with two walks. As a team, the Great Danes hit four doubles on the day. Sophomore Vicky McFarland led all batters with three hits.

Senior Shebly Beaver took the loss for St. Peter's (3-17). She allowed nine hits, six earned runs and walked four in a complete game effort.

Fairleigh Dickinson: The Great Danes held a 2-1 lead until Fairleigh Dickison scored six runs to steal the game away in the final two innings. Brittany MacFawn (2-5) was given the start -- she recorded her sixth complete game this season.

After going down 1-0 in the third inning, UAlbany responded behind the bat of Cocks. The freshman standout continued her strong start with a two-run homer down the left field line in the bottom of the fourth.

The score remained the same until the Knights broke things open in the sixth and seventh. Sophomore first baseman Bryana Dorado highlighted the scoring with a grand slam in the top of inning seven. Fairleigh Dickison (7-7) strung together two RBI singles in the sixth.

UAlbany did not go quietly as they chipped back with two runs in their final at-bats. Sophomore Marlin Solano scored off a wild pitch before Cocks added a third RBI with a sac fly.

MacFawn allowed three earned runs over seven innings. She struck out six and walked two. Junior Samatha Lemm went 6.1 innings, allowing three earned runs and striking out three in the win. Behind Cocks, sophomore Jess Tate went 2-for-3 to lead Great Dane hitters.

UAlbany will play seven more at the Rebel Games through March 19. The Great Danes take on Butler University tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. They'll have Saturday off before returning to action for two games on Sunday, March 17.