Naples, Fla.: The SUNY Cobleskill softball team opened the 2023 season on Sunday by splitting a pair of games at the 33^rd Annual Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic posting a 10-4 win over the Pioneers of Alfred State College then dropping a 12-4 decision to the Bears of St. Joseph's University of Brooklyn at North Collier Regional Park. With the wins the Fighting Tigers open the year at 1-1 overall.

In the opener the Fighting Tigers led 2-1 in the top of the third inning when Cobleskill erupted for six runs to put the game out of reach highlighted by an RBI double by sophomore left fielder Ashley Ciafardo, Middleburgh, N.Y., Middleburgh High School, to extend the lead 8-1.

Senior pitcher Marissa Wheeler, Kinderhook, N.Y., Ichabod Crane High School, recorded the win allowing four earned runs on seven hits while striking out 14 hitters in the contest.

Junior first baseman Alexis Miranda, Nashua, N.H., Nashua High School, went 3-for-4 with a triple, three RBI, a stolen base and a run scored while Ashley Ciafardo went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI. a run scored and a pair of stolen bases. Sophomore catcher Mackenzie Wendelken, Stuyvesant, N.Y., Ichabod Crane High School, was also a factor in her Cobleskill debut going 2-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI.

In the days second contest versus the Bears of St. Joseph's, Cobleskill led 4-3 going into the fifth inning when three Fighting Tigers lead to eight unearned Bear runs as part of a nine-run inning to decide the issue.

In the second game first baseman Alexis Miranda continued her hot hitting going 2-for-3 with two doubles and a pair of RBI while designated hitter Mackenzie Wendelken went 1-for-1 with a pair of walks, an RBI and a run scored.

The Fighting Tigers will return to action on Monday March 12 at North Collier Regional Park when they meet the Golden Eagles of Nazareth College at for a solo contest at 9:00 a.m. followed by a single game versus the Owls of Westfield State University at 11:00 a.m.