INDIANA, Pa. -- IUP combined for 26 hits and 24 runs on the day to secure a doubleheader sweep against Gannon Friday afternoon, with scores of 10-2 and 14-6.

Game 1

The first four innings were quiet until IUP splurged in the bottom of the fourth inning with nine runs off eight hits. 

Reagan Rand and Jaycee Haidze began the fourth inning with singles. Despite the next two batters stricking out, IUP managed to score nine runs and added six more hits.

Madison Pikula drew a walk to load the bases, followed by Maddie Griffin's double to center, bringing in two runs. Jordan Sylvia singled to left field which sent Pikula to score. Delaney Patella hit a home run to put the Hawks ahead 6-0. Gannon responded with a pitching change, but the next two batters singled before Haidze capped off the rally with a home run of her own, pushing the lead to 9-0 before a lineout ended the inning.

In the top of the fifth, Gannon managed to add two runs off of three hits, while three were left on base. 

In the bottom of the fifth, Pikula drew a walk, and then Smiley singled. Patella drew another walk which loaded the bases followed by Pikula scoring on a passed ball which closed out the first game, with IUP winning 10-2. 

On the mound was Kendall Young who improved to 7-3 on the season. 

Game 2

IUP wasted no time in game two, racking up seven runs on eight hits in the first inning.

Pikula led off with a single and later scored on a passed ball. Griffin doubled and stole second before Patella's single to center brought her home, making it 2-0. After Truax drew a walk, Rand singled to right for an RBI, sending Patella across the plate.  Rand then stole second and Haidze singled to left field, which sent two to score, 5-0. Jess Cekada doubled to left, advancing Haidze to third. Smiley's sacrifice fly and Pikula's single brought in two additional runs, extending the lead to 7-0.

IUP added four more runs in the second inning. Truax, Rand, and Pikula all recorded hits, while Patella, Haidze, Rand, and Truax crossed home plate, giving IUP an 11-0 advantage.

Gannon responded with their first run in the top of the third and tacked on five more in the fifth.

Patella homered in the bottom of the third, while Truax added an unearned run. IUP's final run came in the fourth when Pikula doubled and was brought home by a single and a sacrifice.

On the mound was Olivia Hillegas who improved to 5-4 on the season. 

Up next
IUP continues their home stretch on Sunday, March, 23 at 2:00 p.m. with a doubleheader against Edinboro. 
 
Follow
For coverage of the IUP softball program, follow the Crimson Hawks on X (Twitter) and Instagram @IUPsoftball and online at IUPAthletics.com.