UTICA, N.Y. — Mohawk Valley Community College opened its home schedule Tuesday afternoon at Donovan Stadium with a mix result against Tompkins Cortland Community College, falling 4–3 in the opener before Game 2 was halted in the bottom of the fourth inning with the score tied 8–8.

In Game 1, Mohawk Valley outhit Tompkins Cortland 5–4 but fell short in a tough contest 4-3.

Sophomore CJ Kerslake led the Hawks offensively, going 2-for-3 with a double, a triple, a walk and an RBI while scoring a run. Ryan Leos also contributed with a double, finishing 1-for-3 with a run scored and a walk.

Mohawk Valley got on the board in the first inning when Kerslake tripled and later drove in a run. The Hawks added another run in the second inning and tied the game again in the fifth when Derek Milianta drove in a run with a sacrifice.

Mathew McNicoll added a hit and scored while swiping three bases, and Karter Beller chipped in a hit and a stolen base for MVCC.

On the mound, Cooper Joslin started and allowed two runs over two innings while striking out one. Lucas Komnick took the loss after surrendering two runs in two innings of work. Graydon Hickey was effective in relief, striking out five over three innings while allowing just one hit and no runs.

Tompkins Cortland scored single runs in the first and third innings before adding two in the fifth that proved to be the difference. Panther starter Roman Villanueva earned the win, while Nathan Joly recorded the save.

Game 2 turned into an offensive battle before play was halted in the bottom of the fourth inning with the teams tied at 8–8. 

The Hawks return to action on Tuesday, March 17th when they host Utica University JV at Murnane Field.