The Tompkins Cortland Community College softball team returned home Thursday but came up short in a doubleheader against No. 6-ranked Corning Community College, falling 10-0 in five innings in the opener before battling in a 5-2 loss in game two. The Panthers moved to 3-11 overall and 1-3 in the Mid-State Athletic Conference, while Corning improved to 23-4 and remained unbeaten in conference play at 6-0.
Tompkins Cortland Community College softball generated opportunities early in game one, putting runners on base in each of the first four innings but struggling to capitalize. Corning seized control with a three-run first inning and steadily extended its lead to trigger the run rule. Peyton Swartwout provided one of the Panthers’ three hits, delivering the team’s only extra-base hit with a double in the third inning.
In the second game, Corning again struck early with three runs in the first, but the Panthers responded with a more competitive effort. Sofia Lorenzo sparked the offense in the third with a single and later scored on Swartwout’s RBI hit to cut into the deficit. Corning added two runs in the fourth to create separation, but Tompkins Cortland stayed within reach late.
The Panthers mounted a final push in the seventh, as Brooklynn Seiger and Makayla Esau recorded back-to-back singles to set up another run. Lorenzo drove in Seiger on a fielder’s choice, and the tying run came to the plate before a defensive play ended the game.
Swartwout also impressed in the circle, striking out eight over six innings and closing strong by retiring all batters she faced in the final two frames.
Tompkins Cortland Community College softball will travel to Erie Community College on Saturday, with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].