WARRIOR SOFTBALL EXTENDS WINNING STREAK TO SIX WITH SWEEP OF KING’S

WILLIAMSPORT, PA – The Lycoming College softball team hosted three-time defending conference champion King’s College, Tuesday afternoon, for a doubleheader with first place in the Freedom Conference on the line. The Warriors backed up a pair of strong pitching performances with some timely hitting to take both ends of the twinbill. Lycoming won the opening game 1-0, and the nightcap 3-2. The Warriors are now 15-7-1 overall this season and 7-1 in the conference. The Monarchs fall to 16-8 overall and 7-3 in the Freedom.

In the first game, Lycoming benefited from an unearned run in the second inning. Amy Curry (So./Fallentimber, PA; Moshannon Valley) led off the inning and reached on an error by the shortstop. She eventually advanced to third on a groundout and another error. Katy Kresge (Jr./Lehighton, PA; Marian Catholic) then singled to drive in what turned out to be the game-winning run.

Amanda Gery (So./Whitehall, PA; Whitehall) took care of the rest, allowing just two base runners the entire game. In seven innings, she gave up just one hit while striking out 10 and walking only one batter. The victory was Gery’s second shutout of the season and ran her season record to 7-1.

In game two of the doubleheader, the Warriors again got on the board first, scoring two runs in the second inning. Kresge singled with one out to get things started. King’s then walked four consecutive batters to force home two runs. The Monarchs avoided more damage by turning a double play to end the inning.

Morgan Mantle (Fr./Jersey Shore, PA; Jersey Shore) appeared to be in control for Lycoming, tossing five innings of no-hit ball. King’s, however, received a leadoff single by Katie Seguin to start a rally in the top of the sixth. Seguin advanced to second on a sacrifice and then scored on an RBI double by Christen Piccola. Maria Zangardi then singled moving Piccola to third with just one out. The Warriors traded the tying run for on out on a groundball to the shortstop before Mantle ended the inning with a strike out.

The game remained knotted at 2-2 entering the bottom of the seventh. Following a sharp lineout to third, Jess Feerrar (Sr./Lock Haven, PA; Lock Haven) singled to left field. Curry moved Feerrar to second with a single up the middle, and Jana Reitz (Fr./Waynesboro, PA; Waynesboro) loaded the bases with an infield single. That brought up Kresge, who had driven in the game-winning run in game one. Kresge was once again the hero, driving a single to left field that plated Feerrar for the 3-2 victory.

Lycoming totaled 11 hits in the second game led by Feerrar’s 3-for-3 effort. Mantle worked all seven innings on the mound for the Warriors, allowing three hits and two runs while striking out nine.

Lycoming is right back at it tomorrow afternoon as they host FDU-Florham for another Freedom Conference doubleheader. The first pitch is set for 2:30 p.m.

COLLEGIATE SOFTBALL
Game 1

WP – Amanda Gery (7-1) LP – Sarah Genewski (8-5)

Game 2

WP – Morgan Mantle (6-3)  LP – Sarah Genewski (8-6)