INDIANA, Pennsylvania — The Indiana (Pa.) softball team split a pair of nonconference games with Ashland, rallying for a 15-9 victory in the opener before falling 9-5 in the second game.

Game 1 was a back-and-forth affair, as IUP jumped out to a 4-0 lead over the first two innings. Ashland responded with a seven-run third inning and added another run in the fourth to take an 8-4 advantage.

The Crimson Hawks answered in a big way, scoring 11 unanswered runs to complete the comeback.

Madison Pikula led the charge from the leadoff spot, going 4-for-5 with four RBIs and four runs scored. Ruby Singleton and Cameron Ponko also recorded multiple hits in the win.

In Game 2, Ashland built an early 8-0 lead and had IUP down to its final strike before avoiding a shutout and no-hitter. Emily Miller delivered a home run to center field to extend the game.

IUP mounted a late push with four runs in the fifth inning and added another in the seventh but was unable to complete the comeback.

Ashland totaled 18 hits in the second game compared to four for IUP. Despite the offensive struggles, the Crimson Hawks struck out just three times over seven innings.

IUP returns to PSAC play Saturday when Edinboro visits Indiana. First pitch of the opener is scheduled for 1 p.m.