Softball Splits Non-League Doubleheader At Shepherd

Shepherdstown, Wv. – The Golden Rams softball team fell during the first half of the double header against Shepherd 3-1. However, they were able to pick up the pieces to shut out the Rams in second half in seven innings, 5-0, Tuesday afternoon.

No. 21 West Chester (33-9) earned its only run during the top of the first inning before Shepherd would answer back with their own in the bottom of the second. Jr., Sara Ercolani (Downingtown, Pa./ Downingtown East) reached to second base after a throwing error by the third base, allowing Sara Walasavage (Minersville, Pa./ Minersville) to take the first run. Although, Shepherd's Morgan Cox during the bottom of the second flied out to center field, allowing Debbie Stuart to check the base and tie in the scoring run. During the fifth, three runners were on the bases. Kaitlyn Konopka singled to the pitcher, which set up a pinch-run score by Shepherd's Ariana Ramirez. Another single to second base by Connor Gilligan would produce another run to seal game one. 

Jr. Right-handed pitcher Brooke Harner (Chaads Ford, Pa./ Kennett) (6-3) suffered the loss, striking out two hitters, earning an error with four hits in four innings. Fellow Jr., left-hander Amanda Houck (Gap, Pa./ Pequea Valley) switch with Harner during the fourth, striking out two as well before allowing two hits, giving up a walk and an error. Fr., Emily Maseth (Westminster, Md./ Westminster) also saw action during the bottom of the sixth, before allowing a hit.

Throughout the night cap, The Golden Rams were able regain its chemistry by picking up momentum in the third inning. At the top of the pitching mound, Houck, junior lefty would find her 22nd win of the season by controlling the plate. She only allowed five hits and one walk, but Houck stood strong striking out four in seven innings with no runs.

Jr., outfielder Madison Kelly (Whitehall, Pa./ Whitehall) singled to the short during the third inning, giving Bri Garber (Willow Street, Pa./ Lampeter-Strausburg) a chance to single off a bunt. Kelly would then advance to third on a throwing error by the catcher. Walasavage would then be next on the plate. Garber stole second, before Walasavage grounded out to third. Ercolani would be next, but flied out to right field which allowed Kelly to score unearned.

During the fourth inning, West Chester would find three more runs from strategic moves. Kelly flied out to right field, which allowed Shannon Gray (West Chester, Pa./ Henderson) to earn a run. Garber would then single to third base, allowing Sarah Byham (Westampton, N. J./ Holy Cross) and Heidi McCollester (Wester Chester, Pa./ Henderson) to score.

Lastly, Stump would single to center field during the top of the seventh to allow Ercolani to score after stealing second.

West Chester will be back in action on Friday as they host PSAC east rival Millersville University in a doubleheader match up. The first pitch is set for 2:30 p.m.