SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – In a must-win game, with postseason implications within reach, the Union College softball team stormed back from a 3-0 hole to beat St. Lawrence University 4-3 from Alexander Field on Sunday afternoon. Union's offense exploded for four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to come from behind and steal the victory. 

With the victory, Union clinched a tie for fourth place in the conference standings and, as a result, will be making its first appearance in the Liberty League Tournament since 2018. Union will take on fifth-seeded Clarkson University in the opening-round game on Thursday. First pitch will be at 10:00 a.m. from Troy, N.Y.

Seniors Karson Saunders, Tara Hartnett, and sophomore Autumn Duff all had multi-hit games to lead Union. Saunders went 2-3 with a double and an RBI. Senior Olivia Valery went 1-3 with 2 RBI including the winning RBI. Duff was excellent in the circle throwing four shut out innings and allow one hit, to secure the win. 

Union 4, St. Lawrence 3

In the game that was a scheduled make up from April 30, the game started similarly to that weekend. St. Lawrence opened the game with a lead off double and then a single to put runners on first and second with no one out. St. Lawrence then belted a triple down the left field line and score two runners. Jumping out to an early 2-0 lead.

The Saints added one more run in the inning on a ground out and led 3-0 after the first half inning. From then on out the Union pitching settled and controlled the pace of the play for the remainder of the contest.

The Dutchwomen were held hitless until the bottom of the third inning, when Hartnett ripped a single to center field. Neither team could find any rhythm, as both pitchers continued to dictate the game, with excellent pitching.

Union finally broke through in the fifth inning. Duff singled with one out to kick start the inning for Union. Hartnett then singled for the second time, placing runners at first and second with one out. Senior Amanda Granato lined a single back up the middle and score Duff from second to cut into the Saints' lead, 3-1.

With runners on first and second and now two outs in the inning, Saunders batted for Union. She slapped a ball to right field that dropped in under the glove of the right fielder for an RBI double, making it 3-2 St. Lawrence and putting runners on second and third.

Valery was next up for Union with two runners in scoring position. Valery roped a single into left field and the speed of Granato and Saunders, both scored easily, giving Union their first lead of the afternoon, 4-3. Valery plated her team leading 33rd and 34th RBI of the season.

The combined pitching from Granato and Duff helped Union secure a 4-3 win and grab a Liberty League postseason berth. Granato threw three innings of work and allowed five hits. Duff (5-5) earned the win in relief and slammed the door on the Saints. She stuck out one batters and allowed one hit on four shut out innings to give Union the win.