Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

INDIANA, PA - Mary Ward (Hatfield/North Penn)'s RBI sacrifice fly in the bottom of the sixth inning of game two propelled the IUP softball team two a 1-0 win over Lock Haven in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Central action Friday. The Crimson Hawks split for the day after falling to the Lady Eagles 2-1 in game one.

The scoring got started in game one in the bottom of the second when Tara Waldo (Pittsburgh/Baldwin) slapped a double down the right field line, getting in scoring position for Ashley Strack (Johnstown/Westmont Hilltop) two batters later. Strack would then knock Waldo in with a single as the Crimson Hawks took a 1-0 lead.

Starter Alexa Campbell (Manheim/Manheim Central ) kept the Lady Eagles scoreless until the fourth when Sarah Schwalm had a two-out single, bringing Alicia Cacciotti around from second to tie the score at 1-1.

In the top of the sixth, Chelsea Edwards' two-out single got things going for the Lady Eagles. A walk and another single would load the bases before an error brought around run number two as Lock Haven took the 2-1 lead. The Crimson Hawks would threaten in the seventh, as Waldo led off with a single and got into scoring position at second when Stefanie McCoy (New Paris/Chestnut Ridge) bunted her over, but IUP was unable to plate the run as Lock Haven pitcher Sarah Morse forced the final two outs and sealed the win for the Lady Eagles.

Waldo was 2-for-2 in game one with a walk and a run scored, while Strack went 1-for-2 with the lone RBI for the Crimson Hawks. Campbell took the loss in the circle despite allowing just one earned run on seven hits, while striking out six.

Game two saw another pitcher's duel, as neither team was able to muster a run until the sixth inning. Kelly King (Nazareth/Bethlehem Catholic) was marvelous all afternoon for the Crimson Hawks, scattering just five hits and striking out two in the complete game shutout win.

IUP threatened to plate a run in the bottom of the first inning when Megan McCormick (Evans City/Seneca Valley) worked a walk and advanced to second when Jasa Mitchell (Snow Shoe/Bald Eagle Area) singled to left. Waldo was hit by a pitch to load the bases with a pair of outs, but Ward was unable to knock in the run.

She would not miss her opportunity in the sixth, however, taking a pitch from Nicole Smith deep into centerfield. Pinch runner Katie Iyoob (Jessup/Valley View) was able to tag on the play and come home for the game's only run and give the Crimson Hawks a 1-0 lead heading into the top of the seventh.

After allowing a single to start the inning, King settled down and retired the next two batters. With Schwalm on third and two outs, Bridgette Clark grounded out to Ward, who made the play and sealed the win for the Crimson Hawks.

Waldo was 1-for-1 in game two, while McCormick and McCoy were both 1-for-2 in the game.  Chelsea Edwards went 2-for-3 for Lock Haven, while Smith took the loss in the circle despite allowing just one run on five hits.

The Crimson Hawks are back in action tomorrow afternoon when they travel to Erie for a double-header with Gannon. First pitch in game one is set for 1:00 p.m.