Shippensburg University’s softball team could not get in the win column this weekend, dropping back-to-back doubleheaders against Shepherd University.
The Raiders (4-8, 3-7 PSAC East) had a modest day at the plate Saturday, scoring 10 total runs and 15 hits in the two games. However, the Rams had a better day as they exploded for 29 total hits and 28 total runs en route to 12-6 and 16-4 wins.
Freshman Alyssa Nehlen went 4 for 6 on the day, with three RBIs, a stolen base and an inside the park home run.
Sunday’s doubleheader at home went better for SU, but ultimately the result remained the same as the Raiders dropped two close games at Robb Field.
Freshman Brianna Small started Game 1 for the Raiders and held Shepherd hitless through four innings and scoreless through five. In the sixth inning, Shepherd’s bats awakened and they scored five runs in the inning to take a 5-1 lead.
Freshman Maelynn Leber hit a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth and the final score read 5-2.
Game 2 saw the Rams jump on starting sophomore pitcher Tressa Kagarise and score five runs in the first three innings. Small returned to the mound in the fourth and pitched four shutout relief innings.
In the bottom of the fourth, Leber mashed her second solo home run of the day and made it a 5-3 game after an RBI triple from sophomore Hannah Marsteller and an RBI single from freshman Taylor Radziewicz in the third inning.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, Shippensburg was able to get the tying run on base. Sophomore Lacey Hunter scored on a groundout after some small-ball to get her into scoring position and make it a one run game.
Right after the groundout, freshman Taylor Myers hit a two out single but was thrown out trying to steal and the game was over.
Shepherd remains at the top of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division with an undefeated PSAC East play record.
Marsteller had six hits, three extra base hits and two RBIs on the weekend to continue her stellar start to her season. She is batting .410 with 14 RBIs and four home runs so far this campaign.
The Raiders will return to action Tuesday at Bloomsburg University in a PSAC East doubleheader, followed by a four-game weekend series against Lock Haven University. First pitch from Lock Haven Friday is slated for 2:30 p.m.
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