FT. MYERS, FLA.- The SUNY Potsdam softball team concluded their spring trip to Florida by splitting a doubleheader. The Bears (7-5) lost to Oliver 9-0 but defeated Hamilton 11-3. Potsdam’s ten game trip ends with the Bears going 5-5 and they earned a split every day they competed.

The Bears were overpowered by Olivet College in the opener. The Comets (2-3) scored runs in the first and third inning to jump ahead 2-0. Olivet would maintain a two run lead until they came to bat in the top of the sixth where they broke out the long ball. The Comets hit three home runs in the inning including a three-run bomb from Allison Iuelle as they scored five runs on six hits. Potsdam couldn’t mount much of an offensive attack off Nicole McCoy who was making her first start of the season. The Bears managed only three singles on the afternoon. Senior Brittany Pawlowski started and took the loss going 2.1 innings and allowing two runs on six hits.

Against Hamilton (2-2), Potsdam’s offense wasted little time breaking out. Five of the first six batters reached base and then senior Katie Nawrot hit a three-run bomb. Potsdam batted around in the inning and scored six runs on five hits. That would be plenty of offense for sophomore Ashley Thayeras she tossed six innings and allowed three runs to earn the win. Thayer improves to 5-1 on the season and finishes the week with a 3-0 record and threw a no-hitter and a one-hitter. The Bears pounded out 15 hits with three different players had three hits.

The Bears will return home and have a long layoff until their next contest. The Bears travel to Fredonia to kick off conference play on Mar. 30 at 3 p.m.