INDIANA, Pa. – IUP softball returns to the diamond this weekend and continues its divisional schedule with a four-game set against Cal U. The Crimson Hawks will play in California Friday at 2:30 p.m. and will host the Vulcans Saturday with a 1 p.m. first pitch.
Spectators
IUP Athletics is allowing spectators at outdoor events this spring. Any fans visiting Ruth Podbielski Field are asked to keep socially distant from each other, participating teams, student-athletes, school officials and other game day personnel. When not able to socially distant, please wear masks.
Last Time Out
>> The Crimson Hawks opened their 2021 season by taking three of four from Slippery Rock. IUP won by scores of 10-7 and 10-3 Saturday, and took game three Tuesday 6-5. IUP lost game four 8-7 in extra innings.
>> IUP used rallies in several games, coming back from a 6-0 deficit in the opener. The Hawks also rallied in game four to tie the score at 7-7 in the bottom of the seventh to force extras.
Follow/Social Media
Live Stats:
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Notes
>> This will be the first meeting between IUP and Cal U since the 2018 PSAC tournament in Quakertown, a game in which the Vulcans won 11-8.
>> The last four meetings between these two teams have come in the postseason, each won by Cal U in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
>> The Vulcans also won their season opening series, taking three of four from Gannon by a combined score of 22-6.
>> IUP's 3-1 start is its best since also winning three of four to open the 2016 season. The 3-1 conference record is IUP's best start since 2014 (4-0).
>> IUP hit four home runs in the series, with
Kaitlyn Beers going deep twice.
Hope Jones and
Jenna Rhue also homered.
>> Hit leaders from the series include Rhue,
Hope Jones, and
Haleigh Zimmerman with five apiece.
>> Freshman
Amanda Fischer was the leader in the circle during the series, going 2-1 in three relief appearances with a 1.02 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 15 strikeouts in 13.2 innings.
