Susquehanna Softball Stays Alive With 3-2 Win Over Cardinals
SELINSGROVE, Pa. - Susquehanna outlasted Catholic 3-2 in game six of the Landmark Softball Tournament to force a seventh game.
Catholic entered the game 2-0 in the double-elimination tournament. Susquehanna would have to beat the Cardinals twice to win the championship.
The Crusaders scored two early runs in the first inning after Kathryn Gilbert drew the lead-off walk. She moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and moved to third on a fly out. Brittany Devlin singled through the left side to score Gilbert. Amanda Neveroski and Bridget Rafter singled to score Devlin and give Susquehanna the 2-0 lead.
Catholic rallied in the bottom of the fifth after capitalizing on a defensive error and a sacrifice fly with two close plays at the plate. The Cardinals had a chance to go ahead with a runner on third, but Susquehanna retired the next batter to keep the game tied.
Susquehanna led off the sixth with another walk and Neveroski went to second on a sacrifice. Anna Heggenstalle pinch hit for the second time today and doubled to left to score Neveroski in what would be the game-winning run.
Catholic loaded the bases in the bottom of the sixth, but reliever Morgan Lewis came through with the clutch strikeout. Catholic threatened again in the seventh, but Susquehanna held on for the 3-2 win.
Alyssa Cantalini led the Crusaders at the plate hitting 2-for-4. Ashley Cole went 5.1 innings in the circle to earn the win with four strikeouts. Lewis finished the game to pick up a save with two strikeouts.
Catholic's Monica Peters was 2-for-3 and Taylor Stockinger went 2-for-4 at the plate. Victoria Capozucca pitched the complete game.
The two teams will battle for the championship at approximately 4 p.m.