SUNY Old Westbury Softball is knocking it out of the park! The Panthers kicked off the season with their first doubleheader on March 12, 2024. The Panthers took on the Brooklyn Bulldogs, winning both games with final scores of 12-2 and 13-2.

The Panthers started strong, with a grand total of 11 runs in the first inning. Senior Natalie Intrieri and Junior Alaina Reilly scored the first two runs. Sophomore Ashley Pierce hit a double for her first time batting at Old Westbury.

The Panthers scored four more runs during the first inning with Junior Hillary Bennett hitting a triple and scoring two runs. In the bottom of the third inning, there was a wild pitch that allowed Junior Juliana Vasquez to score.  Senior Julia Pastrana delivered the game-winning pitch after four strong innings.  

 The Panthers continued to dominate Brooklyn when they returned to the field for game two. The Bulldogs struggled, their many errors turned into runs for the Panthers. Senior Jenna Gaspa scored three runs at bat. Junior Layla Ramos pitched four innings, allowing three runs and striking out four Brooklyn batters, leading to her first win of the season.     

Head coach, Tom Pennino, commented on the strong start to the 2024 season. “We finally feel like we are ‘home,’” he said. “I love this campus and the students/faculty that are here. I definitely felt the home field advantage on Tuesday night. We had great support at the game with a good crowd. It was great to see a lot of student-athletes and faculty/administration present. Just an all around great day for the softball program and the Old Westbury community.”

As the Panthers walked away with their first wins, they felt stronger than ever. The Panthers won their next two games on March 14 against John Jay College. The Panthers currently have an overall record of 9-4 and hope to add more wins during their double header on April 7 against Farmingdale State College.