CALIFORNIA, Pa. -- The IUP softball team concluded the regular season on the road at California (Pa.), but came up just short in both games.
IUP is now 24-18 overall and 15-13 in conference action.
Game one
The Vulcans scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning, just before IUP opened the second inning with five runs on five hits.
Jaycee Haidze led off the second inning with a double to right center and scored on a throwing error from Ruby Singleton's hit. Singleton advanced to third from the error and scored on a passed ball. Three consecutive singles loaded the bases before all three scored on Jordan Sylvia's three RBI double to center field to put IUP ahead 5-2.
California (Pa.) scored two more runs in the bottom of the third inning on three hits and six runs in the bottom of the fourth.
In the top of the fourth, Maddie Griffin singled to the pitcher, advanced on a groundout, and scored on Reagan Rand's single to left center. Jess Cekada's RBI single to right field drove in Rand.
In the final three innings, IUP left a combined five runners on base, unable to make the comeback.
Game two
Brianna Pusateri and Cekada scored the first two runs for IUP, including a home run from Cekada. The game was tied at two each before the Vulcans added eight runs on seven hits in the bottom of the fourth.
In the top of the fifth, Drotos and Sylvia scored on Haidze's single through the right side. IUP scored five more runs in the sixth inning on five hits. Scorers were Singleton, Drotos, Griffin, Pusateri, and Sylvia.
In the top of the seventh, Rand's grand slam put the Hawks in the lead with 13 runs. With two outs, Haidze doubled to right center and came around on Singleton's single to center field.
In the bottom of the inning, the Vulcans made the comeback, scoring five runs on seven hits.
Up Next
IUP looks ahead to PSAC postseason action set to begin on Wednesday, April 30. More information to come.
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