WARRIOR SOFTBALL SWEEPS SCRANTON; EARNS BERTH IN FREEDOM CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS
 

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – The Lycoming College softball team hosted the University of Scranton for a doubleheader, Saturday afternoon, with a trip to the Freedom Conference playoffs on the line. The Warriors needed a sweep of the Royals to earn a trip to the post-season and that is exactly what they got, defeating Scranton 2-0 in both games. Lycoming improves to 16-14 overall and 7-7 within the conference. The Royals fall to 16-13 and 7-7.

In the opening game, Morgan Mantle (So./Jersey Shore, Pa.; Jersey Shore) was impressive on the mound, scattering six hits and striking out nine over seven innings to record the complete-game shutout. She got all the run support she needed in the fifth inning when the Warriors scored two runs as the result of consecutive squeeze plays. With runners on first and third and no outs, Christine Caroselli (So./Newtown, Pa.; Pennsbury) pushed a bunt up the third base line and Katy Kresge (Sr./Lehighton, Pa.; Marian Catholic) beat the throw to put Lycoming on the board. Caroselli advanced to second on the play at the plate and Melissa McCoy (Fr./Williamsport, Pa.; Jersey Shore) moved from first to third.

With runners at second and third and no outs, Jana Reitz (Jr./Waynesboro, Pa.; Waynesboro) tried the duplicate Caroselli’s effort, but rather than throw home on this attempt, the third baseman tagged McCoy herself for the innings first out. Reitz, however, did not stop running at first base and drew a throw as she attempted to take second. The relay to second allowed Caroselli to sprint home for the Warriors’ second run. In addition to scoring for Lycoming, Caroselli and Kresge each had two hits in the game. 

In the second game, the Warriors benefited from two unearned runs in the third inning. Caroselli and Reitz each scored as Scranton committed three errors in the frame. Amanda Gery (Jr./Whitehall, Pa.; Whitehall) started the game and worked five scoreless innings to pick up the win. Gery allowed five hits and struck out two batters. Mantle pitched the last two inning to record the save, striking out four of the six batters she faced.

Lycoming will begin competing in the conference tournament on Friday, April 30, against top-seeded King’s College. The tournament is being held in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., hosted by King’s.    

COLLEGIATE SOFTBALL
Game 1

WP – Morgan Mantle LP – Sarah Rhodes

Game 2

WP – Amanda Gery, Save – Morgan Mantle  LP – Tracy Granozio