Natalie Intrieri up at bat.
Credit: Aidan Bongiorno
It’s out of the park for SUNY Old Westbury Softball, as the Panthers kicked off the season with a strong win at their first doubleheader on March 12, 2024. The Panthers took on the Brooklyn Bulldogs, winning both games with a final score of 12-2 and 13-2, respectively.
The Panthers kicked off the first game strong with a grand total of 11 runs during the bottom of the first inning. There were some noticeable highlights from Senior Natalie Intrieri and Junior Alaina Reilly, scoring the first two runs. Sophomore Ashley Pierce hit a double for her first time batting at Old Westbury.
Credit: Christian Lyles
The Panthers pushed on through with four more runs during the first inning with Junior Hillary Bennett hitting a triple and scoring two more runs. In the bottom of the third inning, there was a wild pitch that allowed Junior Juliana Vasquez to score.
Credit: Christian Lyles
The Panthers walked away securing their first victory of the 2024 season on their home field with Senior Julia Pastrana delivering the game-winning pitch after four strong innings.
Following their first win, the Panthers and the Bulldogs returned to the field for game two, in which the Panthers continued to dominate Brooklyn. As the Bulldogs struggled through the game with the amount of errors caused by the team, OW was as strong as ever, scoring more runs as a result. Senior Jenna Gaspa scored three runs at bat. Junior Layla Ramos pitched four innings, allowing three runs and striking out four batters from Brooklyn, granting her first win of the season.
Head coach, Tom Pennino, commented on the strong start to the 2024 season. “We finally feel like we are ‘home,’” he said. “I love this campus and the students/faculty that are here. I definitely felt the home field advantage on Tuesday night. We had great support at the game with a good crowd. It was great to see a lot of student-athletes and faculty/administration present. Just an all around great day for the softball program and the Old Westbury community.”
Credit: Christian Lyles
As the Panthers walk away with their first win, they feel stronger than ever. The Panthers have a strong chance at keeping their winning streak alive till the end as they gear up for the rest of the season. The Panthers won their two following games on March 14 against John Jay College.
