By Jordan J. Michael

GUILDERLAND –– Knowing the opponent can make the game more enjoyable.

The Lady Birds and the Lady Dutch played a non-league softball game in Guilderland on Tuesday. Voorheesville had a 2-to-0 lead after three innings, but went on to lose, 6-2.

“We play Guilderland quite frequently and some of the players are friends,” said Voorheesville pitcher Alexa Dillenbeck. “We all know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. It makes for an interesting time.”

Even though the Lady Birds lost, Coach Matt Fiato told The Enterprise that the team looked more relaxed and focused than in the two previous losses to Cohoes and Cobleskill. “I was pleased with the defense and the bunting,” he said.

Morgan Vandervort bunted the first run in for Voorheesville in the second inning and Kelsey Dezalia singled in the second run in the third inning.

Marissa Valletta and Debra Schildt brought in runs for Guilderland in the third inning. The Lady Dutch had a 3-to-2 lead and held off the Lady Birds.

“We play as hard as we can, but sometimes I think we need to be better prepared mentally,” Dillenbeck said. “We let the lead slip away today.”

Vandervort was pitching in the bottom of the sixth and Lauren Napoli got on base with a single to center. Valletta singled past Dezalia at third base and the bases were loaded. Talyor TenEyck scored for Guilderland on a passed ball.

The Lady Dutch got two more runs after Amanda Gatt couldn’t secure a pop-up that was taken by the gusting wind. Guilderland was leading by four runs.

“The wind was terrible today and it definitely affected that play,” said Fiato. “Gatt felt really bad about it, but she did all that she could.”

Mal McGinnis reached second base for Voorheesville in the seventh inning, but the team couldn’t string any hits together. When the game was over, a few players from each team greeted each other at home plate.

The Lady Birds dropped its record to 2-5. The team needs a .500 record to reach sectionals.

“Playing our neighbor is always really fun, but we need to focus on the main goal –– reaching the playoffs,” Fiato said. “We have a lot of league games left. We don’t want to be left out of the mix again.”