SCHENECTADY, N.Y.Sophomore pitcher Jackie Coffey came within one out of a five-inning perfect game to lead Union's softball team to an 8-0 victory over New Paltz and a sweep of their non-league doubleheader. Sophomore hurler Abby Arceneaux tossed a four-hit shutout as the Dutchwomen won the opener, 6-0.

The victories not only improve's Union's record to 12-2, it leaves both Coffey and Arceneaux with records of 6-1.

Coffey, who fanned seven and did not walk a batter, had gotten the first batter of the fifth to ground to short. The next New Paltz hitter hit an infield pop that was dropped for an error. Coffey got the next two outs on a strikeout and a comebacker to the mound. The game ended due to the eight-run mercy rule.

The Dutchwomen put the game away early by scoring six runs in the second inning. Elsie Nichols, Arceneaux, who went three-for-three, Julie Gawronski, Colleen White, and Jessica Lawton each singled home a run in the inning. The game ended in the last of the fifth after a bases-loaded walk to Katie Ratner and a run-producing single by Arceneaux gave Union its eight-run advantage.

Arceneaux fanned eight in the opening game while giving up just four hits. Lawson belted her first home run of the year, a solo shot in the first, and drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the fourth while Ratner and Melissa Marra each stroked a run-scoring single.