SPLITTING THE SERIES — Utica University’s Shamariah McCullough swings at a pitch during Game 1 of the Empire 8 semifinal doubleheader against Russell Sage College on Friday at home. McCullough had an RBI single as part of a five-run first inning to help Utica to a 12-0 victory. Clinton’s Matt Fitzgerald added three RBIs for Utica. Whitesboro’s Ryan Cardone allowed six hits in seven innings to pick up the win. In Game 2, Sage broke a 1-1 tie with two runs in the fifth to earn a 4-1 win. Utica (20-16 overall) and Sage will meet again at noon Saturday for a winner-take-all Game 3.