CLERMONT, Fla. – IUP softball had an early lead but a late push from the University of Indianapolis led IUP to drop the first game 4-2. In the second game of the day against Purdue Northwest, IUP stayed ahead to secure a 3-2 win Thursday afternoon.
Game 1 – UINDY
IUP managed just three hits with two coming from
Delaney Patella and one from
Madison Pikula. The two runs were scored by
Paige Truax and
Maddie Griffin.
IUP got things rolling early on in the first inning when Truax drew a walk and Griffin reached on an error.
Jordan Sylvia had a sacrifice bunt to advance both runners on base. Patella singled to right field, sending Griffin and Truax to score. IUP ended the inning with two outs ahead 2-0.
In the top of the seventh, UINDY managed to get runners on second and third. A sacrifice fly advanced Cook to third and sent Oliver to score. A follow-up single sent Cook to score which tied the game at two each.
UINDY extended their lead in the top of the eighth after a single to center field sent Piercy to score. Eads doubled to left field to send one more run home before two outs closed the inning.
In the bottom of the eighth, IUP had three consecutive outs, falling short in game one of the day 4-2.
Game 2 – Purdue Northwest
IUP totaled seven hits and three runs that were scored by Patella,
Reagan Rand, and
Ruby Singleton.
IUP scored their first run of the game in the third inning after Singleton got things going with a triple down the right field line and then scored after Pikula singled. Three outs finished out the top of the inning.
In the bottom of the third, Purdue Northwest managed to get two on base and then scored from a groundout to short stop to tie the game.
IUP added two more runs in the sixth to get out to a 3-1 lead. Patella reached first on an error and Rand drew a walk.
Brianna Pusateri sacrificed bunt to advance both on base and then
Emily Miller drew a walk which loaded the bases. Maddie Miller singled through the left side that sent Patella to the plate. Singleton reached on a fielder's choice which let Rand score to put IUP up 3-1.
In the bottom of the sixth, Purdue Northwest singled and followed with a double to add another run. However, neither team generated any offense in the final inning which sealed IUP's 3-2 win.
Up Next
IUP closes out the Florida Spring Games trip tomorrow, Friday, March 14 with two games against Minnesota State Mankato (8:00 AM) and American International College (11:15 AM).
Follow
For coverage of the IUP softball program, follow the Crimson Hawks on X (Twitter) and Instagram @IUPsoftball and online at IUPAthletics.com.
