Softball moves to third in AMCC standings after split with Penn State Behrend

ERIE, Pa. --- Carlow University softball split a pair of Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference games at Penn State Behrend Thursday afternoon.

The Celtics (13-19, 6-4 AMCC) were riding a five-game winning streak heading into the doubleheader against the Lions (11-15, 6-4 AMCC).

Game 1: W, 12-11

The Lions attempted to chip away at Carlow's lead, but a big six-run inning for the Celtics in the top of the fifth was enough for them to hold on for the win.

An RBI double from Tatum Wiggs (Boron, Calif./Boron HS) put Carlow on the board in the first inning, but Behrend quickly took a 2-1 lead in the bottom half of the frame.

Carlow added three runs on four hits in the third, and again the Lions countered in the bottom of the inning with four runs on five hits to lead, 6-4.

A two-out single up the middle from Haley Bicko (Johnstown, Pa./Greater Johnstown HS) and a double to left field by Fran Beighley (Pittsburgh, Pa./Plum Senior HS) tied the game at 6-all in the top of the fourth.

A one-out double from Mackenzie Egley (Shelocta, Pa./Armstrong HS) and two walks in a row loaded the bases for the Celtics in the fifth. Carlow landed a few key hits and took advantage of several miscues to score six runs before the Lions caught a runner stretching to end the inning.

Trailing by six, Behrend scored three runs on four hits in the bottom of the inning to cut Carlow's lead to three. The Lions scored one unearned run in the bottom of the sixth and seventh innings, but the Celtics recorded two pop fly outs to end the game.

Samantha Tressler (Brownsville, Pa./Brownsville Area HS) picked up her first win of the season, relieving starter Bicko in the second inning and allowing three earned runs on four hits in 1.2 innings of work. Anna Schumacher (Pittsburgh, Pa./Baldwin HS) pitched the remainder of the game, allowing no earned runs on three hits with two strikeouts and a walk.

Bicko hit 4 for 5 with an RBI, and Egley went 3 for 4 with two doubles and two RBI. Beighley, Schumacher and McKenna Pierce (Leechburg, Pa./Leechburg Area HS) tallied two RBI apiece.

Abby Tingley took the loss for the Lions after allowing eight earned runs on 13 hits with five strikeouts and two walks in five innings.

Jocelyn McNany hit 3 for 5 with a triple and two RBI, and Sierra Williams went 2 for 4 with a double and two RBI.

Game 2: L, 8-2

Behrend snapped Carlow's six-game winning streak with an 8-2 victory in the nightcap.

The Lions went ahead 3-0 on four hits and an error in the second, and Carlow cut that lead to 3-2 in the top of the fourth. Megan Pollinger (Coraopolis, Pa./West Allegheny Senior HS) brought in both runs with a two-out double to left-center field.

Behrend returned the favor in the bottom half of the frame, and the Celtics escaped the inning by turning a double play. The Lions retired Carlow in order in the fifth and left two runners stranded in the sixth before adding three insurance runs on four hits in the bottom of the inning.

Carlow had a runner in scoring position in the seventh, but the Lions shut the door with three quick outs to end the game.

Wiggs suffered the loss in the circle after allowing four earned runs on seven hits with two walks in 3.1 innings. Beighley hit 2 for 3 and Pierce went 2 for 3 with a double.

Lauren Rabanal earned the win for the Lions, allowing two earned runs on four hits. Julia Jones was credited with a save after pitching the final three innings and allowing two hits with three strikeouts and a walk.

Chloe Nale hit 2 for 4 with a double, a triple and an RBI, and Athena Iverson went 2 for 3 with a double and two RBI.

The Celtics travel to Alfred State College for a 1 p.m. AMCC doubleheader tomorrow.