Softball | 4/17/2011 6:07:38 PM

Click here for game one stats

Click here for game two stats

WEEHAWKEN, NJ - The RIT softball team (14-9, 6-2 Empire 8) maintained a share of the lead in the Empire 8 standings after sweeping Stevens (16-14, 5-5 Empire 8), 3-1, and 3-2 in a pair of hard-fought road contests on a cool, windy Sunday afternoon.

In game one, Stevens took the early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, but RIT starting pitcher Carlissa Cole (Alden, NY/Alden) settled down, keeping the Ducks off the board the rest of the way.  Cole recorded her 10th complete game of the season and improved to 8-3, allowing just five hits, and two walks, while striking out six batters.  She was also 2-for-3 at the plate.

RIT took the lead, scoring twice in the top of the fourth inning, as Shannon McCormick (Auburn, NY/Auburn) reached on a pair of errors, advancing to third base.  Michelle Tabisz (Silver Spring, MD/Paint Branch) drove in McCormick after reaching on an error by the centerfielder, then scored on a single by Brittany Kemp (Dansville, NY/Wayland-Cohocton). 

The Tigers took a 3-1 lead in the seventh inning, as Emily Courtney (Berlin, CT/Kingswood-Oxford) doubled, then scored on a single by McCormick. 

Stevens starter Kayla Berardi allowed seven hits in the complete game effort.

In game two, RIT jumped to the early lead, as Tori Nadow (Charlton, MA/Shepherd Hill) blasted a two-run home run in the first inning.  Tabisz gave RIT a 3-0 lead in the fifth inning, driving in McCormick with a single.

The Tigers would hold off a late Stevens rally, as Kemp picked up her sixth win of the season, allowing eight hits, while striking out eight batters.  She was also 2-for-3 at the plate.

Nadow and Tabisz each had a pair of hits for the Tigers.

Molly Herforth picked up the loss for the Ducks, scattering seven hits in seven innings.  Naomi Sacks and Berardi each had two hits.

RIT, St. John Fisher, and Ithaca are all 6-2 in conference play.  The top seed will host the 2011 Empire 8 Championship from May 6-8.  RIT last hosted in 2005.

The Tigers return to action on Friday, with a conference doubleheader at Alfred scheduled for 3 p.m.