INDIANA, Pa. – Brooklyn Kotula struck out seven and scattered four hits in a complete game 2-0 win in game two as the Crimson Hawks split a key divisional doubleheader with Lock Haven Thursday at Podbielski Field.
 
Kotula's seven strikeouts tied a season-high and she didn't walk a single batter, putting Lock Haven down in order in the second, third, fourth and fifth innings.
 
The IUP offense gave Kotula all the run support she needed in the first inning. Kassie Kesneck led off with a double and two batters later came home when Renee Wall had her own double. IUP took a 2-0 lead when Lauren Goetz came around on a Rachel Rodriguez single.
 
Lock Haven (22-16, 8-6) threatened in the sixth with back-to-back singles, but with the tying runner in scoring position, Kotula tossed a strikeout and got a pop-up for the third out.
 
The win saved the doubleheader split as the Crimson Hawks dropped a 5-0 decision in nine innings in the opener. IUP remained a half-game in front of Lock Haven in the PSAC Central standings and ended the day with a 9-5 divisional record while the Lady Eagles are 8-6.
 
Lauren Zola started in the circle for IUP in the opener, going the full nine innings while tying a season-high with 10 strikeouts. Lock Haven managed 12 base hits off Zola, with six of those coming during its 5-run ninth inning.
 
Zola struck out two batters in the first, second and fourth innings, and didn't allow a runner past second until the sixth.
 
IUP had just two hits and four baserunners off Lock Haven starter Bekah Slattery, who struck out 13 batters in game one and 23 in the doubleheader.
 
Up next
The Crimson Hawks have another pair of key divisional games left this weekend as they head to Mansfield Saturday. The Mountaineers are currently in fourth place with a 6-6 divisional record and swept a doubleheader in Indiana earlier this season.
 
Follow
For up-to-date game information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP softball on Twitter @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUPsoftball.