The Tompkins Cortland Community College softball team split a doubleheader with Genesee Community College on Thursday, rallying for a 9-5 extra-inning win before falling 11-5 in the nightcap in Batavia, New York, leaving the Panthers at 4-16 overall and 2-6 in the Mid-State Athletic Conference while Genesee moved to 12-20 and 2-6. Late-inning momentum shifts defined both games.
In Game 1, the Panthers controlled much of the contest, carrying a 3-1 lead into the later innings before Genesee capitalized on defensive miscues to tie the game in the seventh. Elizabeth Martin limited further damage to force extras, and Tompkins Cortland responded emphatically. The Panthers erupted for six runs in the eighth inning to seize control, with Martin completing the game to secure the win.
Game 2 followed a similar script early, with the Panthers holding a 5-4 advantage entering the seventh inning. However, Genesee flipped the outcome with a decisive seven-run frame, turning a one-run deficit into a comfortable lead. Tompkins Cortland was unable to answer, settling for a split after coming within an inning of a sweep.
Across both games, the Panthers showed resilience offensively but struggled to close out late leads, a factor that proved pivotal in the final results.
Tompkins Cortland returns home Friday to face Finger Lakes Community College, with first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m. as the Panthers look to build on the split.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].