Softball falls to unbeaten Penn State Behrend in final homestand

MUNHALL, Pa. --- Carlow University softball ended the regular season 13-23 overall and 9-9 in AMCC action with a pair of losses to league-leading Penn State Behrend at West Field Sunday afternoon.

Although Carlow battled to avoid a run-rule game in the nightcap, the Lions (30-8) were victorious in maintaining their spotless conference record, improving to 18-0.

Game 1: L, 4-0

Abby Tingley tossed a four-hit shutout with four strikeouts to lift the Lions to victory in the first game.

Back-to-back one-out singles and a two-out RBI double down the left field line put a run on the board for Behrend in the top of the first.

Carlow hit two singles in the bottom of the inning, but the Lions' defense left both runners stranded on the base paths.

The Celtics turned a double play on a fly ball to right field in the second, catching the runner too far off first base to end the inning. Bella Cartieri led off with a double to the left field fence in the bottom half of the frame, but the Celtics were unable to bring her home.

Back-to-back triples tallied two more runs for Behrend in the third, and a lead-off triple and a throwing error added an unearned run in the top of the fourth.

The Lions retired the Celtics in order through the remainder of the game. Clara Niglio suffered the loss, allowing three earned runs on eight hits with two strikeouts and three walks in the complete game effort.

Jocelyn McNany went 2 for 3, and Meghan Petitte hit 2 for 4 with a triple and an RBI to lead Behrend at the plate.

Game 2: L, 8-3

Behind sophomore pitcher Tatum Wiggs and an advantageous fifth inning, the Celtics staved off a run-rule loss to the Lions in the nightcap. Wiggs three-hit the Lions without allowing a single run through 5.2 innings and struck out four to keep the Carlow in the game.

The Lions leapt to an early lead with a walk and a home run over the left field fence to put them ahead 2-0 in the top of the first.

Behrend retired the Celtics in order in the bottom half of the frame and scored four runs on six hits and an error in the top of the second before Carlow made it out of the inning, leading 8-0.

Both pitchers retired the side in the third and fourth innings, while the Celtics left a runner stranded after a lead-off double in the fifth.

With the game on the line, Cartieri drew a one-out walk to put a runner on for Carlow in the bottom of the fifth. Mackenzie Egley laid down a solid bunt in the next-at bat, and Behrend's pitcher threw it away to allow Cartieri to score from first and keep Carlow in the game.

Jillian Durst drew a two-out walk after an 11-pitch battle, and Francesca Beighley walked to put runners on first and second for the Celtics.

Niglio stepped to the plate and slammed a two-run single to right-centerfield to cut the Lions' lead to five before a snagged line drive by the second baseman ended the inning.

Carlow stranded two base runners in the sixth and retired Behrend in order in the seventh, but the Celtics could not get any runners past second base to make a comeback.

Justena Giles was saddled with the loss, allowing seven earned runs on six hits with two walks in 1.1 innings of work.

Kayla Lindberg tossed a three-hitter and did not allow an earned run with four strikeouts and five walks in the complete game win.

Petitte went 3 for 4 with a double, a home run and four RBI to lead the Lions. Sierra Williams hit 3 for 4 with two doubles and two RBI, and McNany went 2 for 4 with an RBI.

The Celtics await to see if they are one of the top 10 teams in the nation to compete at the 2024 USCAA Small College World Series May 12-16 in DuBois, Pa. Bid Day is May 7 at noon.