FAIRFAX, Va. - The Monmouth University softball team concluded its stay at the 2011 Cherry Blossom Classic, hosted by George Mason University, by topping the University at Albany, 9-1 in six innings on Sunday afternoon. The Hawks improve to 9-10 on the season, going 2-3 at the tournament, while the Great Danes fall to 3-10.

Sophomore Kate Kuzma (Freehold, N.J. /Colts Neck) enjoyed a career-day at the dish, going 4-for-4 with two home runs and three RBIs. She added a pair of singles in the contest as well.

UAlbany scored the game's first run in the top of the first, but the Hawks responded with nine unanswered runs to capture the mercy-rule victory. Eight Hawks had at least a hit in the game, while seven had at least one RBI or run scored.

Kuzma provided a two-run homer in the third, while classmate Kayla Weiser (Vandergrift, Pa. /Kiski Area) had a two-RBI double a frame later. Kuzma's solo blast in the sixth provided MU with its eight-run cushion to end the game.

Sophomore Christine Scherr (Nazareth, Pa. /Nazareth Area) went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, while Chelsea Paprocki (Manassas, Va. / Forest Park) added two hits, a run scored and a RBI.

Lauren Sulick (Canfield, Ohio /Canfield) recorded the win, pitching four innings of two-hit ball. Senior Dara Palms (Humble, Tex. /Humble) pitched the game's final two frames, allowing only one hit.

MU returns to action on Wednesday when it visits Stony Brook for a nonconference doubleheader. First pitch is set for 2:00 pm.