The University of Rochester softball team advanced into the winners bracket of the Liberty League Championships with a 5-0 victory over Skidmore College to open the tournament at Southside Field on Thursday afternoon.
 
Sophomore Eleni Wechsler tossed a complete game shutout in the circle for Rochester, allowing just three hits and one walk while striking out four batters.  With the win, Rochester moves to 25-11 over while Skidmore falls to 14-21 on the season.
 
The visiting Thoroughbreds threatened in the first inning, getting runners on the corners via a UR error and walk.  Following the walk to put two runners on, Lauren Fortunato took off for 2nd base, getting in a rundown trying to score the runner from third.  UR was ready for it and eventually got Lizzete Roman-Johnston out at the plate, breaking up the scoring chance.
 
UR would get on the board in the 2nd with two unearned runs.  Rachael Roddenbery drew a bases loaded walk to score one and that was followed by an RBI fielders choice groundout from Jocelynn Blackshear.
 
Blackshear then provided the next run for the Yellowjackets in the 4th.  After a pinch hit double by Ashley Amidon put runners on 2nd and 3rd with one out, the freshman laid down a bunt which Skidmore tried to throw home, but the throw was late putting Rochester up 3-0.
 
In the fifth, freshman Gabriela Alatorre ripped a double to right center scoring Brittany Grage and Wechsler to reach the eventual final score of 5-0.  Alatorre finished 2-3 with a run and 2 RBI for the Yellowjackets while Blackshear also added two RBI.
 
With the win, Rochester advances in the winners bracket and will play the RPI-Union winner at 10 am on Friday morning.  The tournament is a double-elimination and Skidmore will play the loser of Thursday's late game in an elimination game at 12:30 Friday.