Softball 4.29.12

Softball Sees Players Step Up in Three Straight Days of Doubleheaders

Bronxville, NY - April 26-28, 2012

    The Gryphons had a busy weekend of games at the Mary LeVine Field, beginning this Thursday with a double-header against The College of New Rochelle, followed by double-headers on Friday against John Jay and Saturday against Mount Saint Vincent. Although the Gryphons went 0-6 for the weekend, several members of the team stepped up to fill new and pivotal roles, particularly first year Anhad Hundal (New Delhi, India/Vasant Valley School), the team's former centerfielder, who was called upon to pitch five of the six games.

    On Thursday in a pervasive rain that persisted throughout the two games, the Gryphons faced off against CNR's Blue Angels for the second of three regular season meetings this year (the next will be this Friday, May 4, at 4pm). Hundal pitched the first game, throwing consistently in her efforts against the Blue Angels, who ultimately won the game 11-3.

    In the second game, first year Leslie Martinez (Mission Viejo, Calif./Trabuco Hills), who has been playing left field for the Gryphons and recently stepped into the third base position, pitched her first game of the season, showing a solid effort, although to similar results with a 3-10 loss to CNR.

    Friday was drier weather, though temperatures took a dip back to winter chill, as the Gryphons saw Hundal back on the mound for two games against John Jay. Although Sarah Lawrence lost in straight games, 1-19 and 2-10, the Gryphons narrowed the margin on the second game, tightening up on defense with some heads-up infield plays.

    Saturday brought sunny skies and Mount Saint Vincent to the Gryphons' home turf. Hundal finished out the weekend, pitching both games against the Dolphins, in which the Gryphons went 7-23 and 0-17.

    The team and coaching staff were impressed with the pluck of their new pitcher from New Delhi, India, who has never played softball before this season, but picked up one of the hardest positions on the field quickly and with grace. For her efforts, Hundal was named Sarah Lawrence's "Athlete of the Week."

    "Pitching is one of the hardest aspects in the game so when we lost our main pitcher, I was worried, but then our centerfielder, Anhad Hundal (New Delhi, India/Vasant Valley School), really stepped up and assumed the role," said Head Coach Adriana Durso. "With zero complaints, she's gone out there and pitched for us and she's even acquired a few strikeouts along the way."

    "I definitely look forward to what she can bring as a pitcher in future seasons," Durso said.

    Next up for the Gryphons will be their double-header against The College of New Rochelle at home on Friday, 5/4, starting at 4pm. Friday's double-header will be followed on Saturday by the Hudson Valley Women's Athletics Conference Invitational, also hosted at the Mary LeVine Field, on Saturday 5/5, beginning at 10am.

    Go Gryphons! Go Green!