Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

INDIANA, PA – On a day when three of the most accomplished players in IUP softball history were honored, the Crimson Hawks stars did not disappoint, powering IUP to a doubleheader sweep over Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Central foe Clarion Friday.

After a decisive 5-0 victory in game one, seniors Monica Iachini (Claysburg/Claysburg-Kimmel), Marissa Leslie (Claysburg/Claysburg-Kimmel) and Megan McCormick (Evans City/Seneca Valley) were honored for their outstanding careers with the Crimson Hawks. IUP would cap the day with a 4-3 come-from-behind win in game two.

The Crimson Hawks struck first in the second inning of game one when Mary Ward (Hatfield/North Penn) came around to score on an Ashley Strack (Johnstown/Westmont Hilltop) sacrifice fly. The game would remain at 1-0 until the bottom of the fifth, when IUP broke it wide open.

With two on and one out, Iachini reached on an error that plated Jen Beaver (Chester Springs/Owen J. Roberts) and Stef McCoy to give the Crimson Hawks a 3-0 lead. Iachini would score just two pitches later when McCormick roped a double to right field. IUP was not finished, however, as Jasa Mitchell (Snow Shoe/Bald Eagle Area) would tack on another run when she nailed a double to give the Crimson Hawks a 5-0 lead.

The five runs would be more than enough for pitcher Kelly King (Nazareth/Bethlehem Catholic), who was dominant as usual in the circle for the Crimson Hawks. King allowed just two hits and struck out four in the complete game shutout. McCormick went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored, while Mitchell was 1-for-3 with an RBI as well.

The IUP offense stayed hot in game two, jumping out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Leslie scored on a passed ball. That lead would until the third inning, when Clarion would put together a rally.

Rebecca Lynch knocked in a run to tie the game at 1-1, and Kacie Nementh gave the Lady Eagles the lead when she singled to score Amanda Gough. Clarion would tack on another run in the inning when Taylor Powell laid down a sacrifice bunt to plate Lynch.

With the deficit at two and the Crimson Hawks in need of a big hit, Strack would deliver in the bottom of the fourth when she crushed a two-run homer to left field that tied the game at 3-3. IUP would take the lead just two batters later when Kaylee Prendergast (West Chester/Villa Maria Academy) singled to drive in Beaver.

The Lady Eagles would have a chance to tie it in the top of the seventh inning when Gough doubled with one out, but IUP pitcher Stefanie McCoy (New Paris/Chestnut Ridge) would retire the next two batters in order to salt away the sweep for the Crimson Hawks.

McCoy went the distance for IUP and allowed just earned runs in the win. Leslie was 3-for-4 with a run scored in game two, while Strack was 1-for-3 with the homer and and two RBI.

With the wins and a pair of Bloomsburg losses, the Crimson Hawks have moved into first place in the tightly-packed PSAC Central. IUP will host Wheeling Jesuit in a doubleheader on Monday before traveling to Drifton, PA for the PSAC Tournament on April 25. First pitch on Monday is set for 2:30 p.m.