SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The IUP softball team split Tuesday's doubleheader against Slippery Rock after surrendering a 5-0 lead and falling 6-5 in game one, but an early lead in game two helped them secure a 16-10 victory.
IUP is now 17-7 overall and is tied with Slippery Rock for first place in the PSAC West both with an 8-2 record.
Game 1
In the first inning, IUP drew three walks, reached on two fielder's choice, but left three runners on base.
IUP's action came in the top of the second when they scored five run which was highlighted by Jordan Sylvia's grand slam. After a strikeout, a walk, and a single from Tess Smiley, both Smiley and Jess Cekada advanced on a wild pitch. Madison Pikula drew a walk which loaded the bases just before Sylvia's four-RBI home run. IUP closed out the inning with two swinging strikeouts.
Slippery Rock scored their first run in the bottom of the third inning and regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth, scoring five runs on six hits, including two home runs that brought in three RBIs.
In the top of the seventh, IUP drew two walks but both runners were left on base, dropping the first game 6-5.
Game 2
Pikula opened game two with a single and advanced to second on a passed ball. Maddie Griffin drew a walk and then Sylvia's sacrifice bunt sent Pikula to score the first run for the Hawks.
In the bottom of the inning, Slippery Rock countered with four runs on four hits.
IUP made a comeback in the top of the second when they scored seven runs to get ahead 8-4. Smiley walked, stole second, and scored on Pikula's triple. Griffin walked and stole second, while walks to Sylvia and Patella brought Pikula home. Paige Truax singled to shortstop and an error by first base allowed for both Sylvia and Griffin to score to retake the lead, 5-4. Reagan Rand's sacrifice fly added another run before Jaycee Haidze capped off the inning with a two-run homer, extending the lead to 8-4.
Slippery Rock added a run in the bottom of the second and third.
With two outs in the third, Griffin singled, Sylvia reached on an error, and Patella walked to load the bases. Another Slippery Rock error allowed three more runs to score, which pushed IUP's lead to 11-5.
In the fourth, Smiley singled and came home on Pikula's double. However, Slippery Rock responded with two home runs and a run off an error to cut IUP's lead to 12-10.
Patella doubled in the fifth, advanced on a passed ball, and scored on a groundout.
In the top of the seventh, Patella singled and Truax drew a walk, while both advanced on a passed ball. Rand reached on a fielder's choice which advanced Truax to third and Patella was out at home. Haidze then singled up the middle which sent Truax across the plate. Brianna Pusateri pinch-ran for Haidze and then scored from Cekada's double to center field. IUP's final run came when Smiley singled up the middle to send Cekada home, to finish ahead 16-10.
Up next
IUP returns to action on Friday, April 4 at 2:00 p.m. for a doubleheader at Pitt-Johnstown.
Follow
For coverage of the IUP softball program, follow the Crimson Hawks on X (Twitter) and Instagram @IUPsoftball and online at IUPAthletics.com.
