RPI Softball captures Liberty League Title by default

TROY, NY — The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) softball team was named 2017 Liberty League Champions after the remainder of the tournament was called on Sunday due to unplayable field conditions. The Engineers, who were the top seed in the four-team, double-elimination event, were the final unbeaten team and first to a 2-0 record.

Rensselaer opened the tournament by defeating fourth seed Skidmore, 5-2, after falling behind 2-0 early. Junior Rebecca Kienz was 3 for 3 in the game, while classmate Devan Puhl and senior Lillian Kolehmainen each recorded a pair of hits. Senior righthander Stephanie Caudle went the distance in the circle, striking out nine and walking four.

The Engineers then blanked Clarkson, 9-0, in five innings, thanks to big days at the plate from Puhl and classmate Victoria Greco, who each went 2 for 4 with two runs apiece. Fellow junior Christine White went 1 for 4 with a two-run single, while Caudle once again picked up the win.

Clarkson bounced back to defeat RIT, 5-2 yesterday afternoon, advancing the tournament’s championship round in its first ever postseason appearance before the cancelation was announced.

RPI (25-12) earns the automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament field, which will be announced on Monday at 1pm ET. It will be the program’s third appearance in the national tournament and the first since 2006.

All-Tournament Team
Karly Fishkin (Skidmore)
Sarah Thayer (RIT)
Raeanna Dunn (Clarkson)
Jamie Bridge (Clarkson)
Krystin Messier (Clarkson)
Devan Puhl (RPI)
Lillian Kolehmainen (RPI)
Victoria Greco (RPI)

Most Outstanding Player
Stephanie Caudle (RPI)
Print Friendly Version

-RPI Sports information