ERIE, Pa. — The IUP softball team reached the 30-win mark for the first time since 2014 on Sunday, sweeping Gannon in a PSAC doubleheader with 9-3 and 8-4 victories.
The Crimson Hawks improved their momentum in conference play and secured wins No. 30 and 31 of the season with another road sweep.
In Game 1, IUP surrendered two runs in the first inning but responded by scoring nine of the next 10 runs to take control. Gannon added one run in the final inning, but the Crimson Hawks closed out the 9-3 win.
First baseman Emily Miller and shortstop Jess Cekada each went 3-for-4 at the plate. Two of Miller's three hits went for extra bases, while Cekada added a double. Miller also drove in three runs.
Second baseman Madison Pikula reached base three times, including two walks, and added a leadoff home run. Six of IUP's 12 hits went for extra bases.
Junior Kendall Young earned her 12th win of the season, throwing a complete game while allowing three runs on five hits and striking out three.
Game 2 was much tighter early, with the teams tied 3-3 entering the sixth inning.
Pikula delivered again, doubling home Brianna Pusateri to give IUP a 4-3 lead. The Crimson Hawks added four more runs in the seventh inning for insurance, while Gannon scored once in the bottom half for the final 8-4 margin.
Freshman Taylor Bumgardner earned the win with a complete-game effort, allowing four runs on seven hits.
IUP finished with 13 hits in Game 2, including five extra-base hits and two triples. Miller and Cekada each added two more hits, and six of the seven players who recorded a hit finished with multi-hit games.
The Crimson Hawks will close out the road portion of PSAC play with one final conference doubleheader before returning home for senior day against Seton Hill on Saturday, May 2.
