QUAKERTOWN, Pa. – The Crimson Hawks just missed a big upset, dropping a 4-3 decision to ninth-ranked California (Pa.), which needed a walk-off single with two outs in the seventh to secure the win on the first day of the 2016 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Softball Championships on Wednesday.
 
IUP took a 3-2 lead into the final inning, but the Vulcans (33-2) quickly tied things up with a leadoff home run by Megan Jahoda. Two batters later, Emily Price singled with one out before moving to second on a ground ball out. Jacquelyn Fowler then lined a single to left center, as Price scored to complete the comeback win.
 
The Crimson Hawks (27-18) will now play Slippery Rock, which lost to Millersville 4-2, in the tournament's first elimination game tonight at 6 p.m. at Veterans Park in Quakertown.
 
California took the first lead with an RBI single in the bottom of the third inning. The Crimson Hawks struck back with three in the top of the fourth, including a two-run single off the bat of Rachel Francis (Jefferson, Ohio/Jefferson).
 
The Vulcans got one back in the bottom half, but IUP's Brooke Darling (Springville, Pa./Elk Lake) shut them down in the fifth and six inning, allowing just one base runner.
 
Darling went the full 6.2 innings, striking out four batters and walking one while allowing 10 hits. Although the Vulcans were able to get to Darling, she pitched out of trouble several times, while all four Cal runs were scored with two outs in the respective innings.
 
IUP totaled four hits, including a double by Hannah Mercer (Hollidaysburg, Pa./Hollidaysburg Area).
 
 For up-to-date game information, visit www.IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP softball on Twitter @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUP_Softball.