SCHENECTADY, N.Y - Union dropped a conference doubleheader to Clarkson University Saturday afternoon at Alexander Field. 

Game 1: Clarkson 8 Union 7 

First year Carra Cleaves struck out six while allowing eight runs (six earned). Cleaves went 2-for-4 at the plate scoring twice and drove in two runs. Seniors Tatum Perkins and Riley Callahan went 2-for-3 and contributed both a run and an RBI. 

Clarkson jumped ahead early, scoring four runs in the top of the third inning on a double and a home run to take a 4-0 lead. 

Union broke through in the bottom of the second with their first run of the game. Perkins led off with a double to right field. Two consecutive ground outs moved Perkins to third and then home.

After striking out the side in the top of the third, Union found their offensive rhythm in the bottom half of the inning to take a 5-4 lead. Sophomore Sophia Burynski doubled to start, and classmate Sophia Gomes entered as a pinch runner. Callahan followed with a single to bring in Gomes. After sophomore Sam Rose was hit by a pitch, Callahan advanced to second. Then, Cleaves came through with a clutch triple, driving in both Rose and Callahan to tie the game at four. First-year Kyla Springer grounded out, allowing Cleaves to score and give Union its first lead of the game. 

After a scoreless fourth inning, Clarkson responded with two runs in the top of the fifth on a double and a single to reclaim a 6-5 lead. But the Union answered again. 

Cleaves reached on a fielder's choice and advanced to second and third on an error. Perkins delivered again, this time with an RBI single to bring in Cleaves. Junior Ellie Wintringer followed with a single that scored Springer, putting Union back in front, 7-6. 

Neither team scored in the sixth, but Clarkson took the lead for good in the top of the seventh with a solo home run. Union was unable to rally in the bottom half, and the Golden Knights held on for the 8-7 win. 

Game 2: Clarkson 14 Union 3 

Clarkson once again took an early lead with an RBI single in the top of the first inning. However, Union quickly responded, taking a 3-1 lead in the bottom half. Senior Riley Callahan led off with a single, followed by another single from first-year Kyla Springer to move Callahan to second. Junior Ellie Wintringer then came through with a clutch three-run home run to put the Garnet Chargers on top. 

Clarkson answered in a big way, erupting for 13 unanswered runs in the fourth inning on four singles, three walks, a double, and a passed ball. Neither team scored in the fifth, sealing a commanding 14-3 win for the Golden Knights. 

The Garnet Chargers return to action Tuesday for a non-conference doubleheader at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. The first pitches are scheduled for 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.