Susquehanna Edges Catholic 3-2 in Extras of Landmark Championship
SELINSGROVE, Pa. - Susquehanna University was one out away from the Landmark Championship when Catholic University rallied to tie the game in the top of the seventh. The game went to extra innings and the Crusaders edged Catholic 3-2 in the eighth.
The game was scoreless after four and a half innings, but Susquehanna took the 2-0 lead in the bottom of the fifth. Brittany Devlin drew the lead-off walk and Sam LaCoe came on as a pinch runner. Bridget Rafter doubled to center to score LaCoe. Cierra Omlor came on to pinch run and scored on Lauren Gilbert's single to center.
The Crusaders needed three outs in the top of the seventh to clinch the win, but Tori Marcavage singled down the left field line to spark a rally. Courtney Burke drew the walk and both runners advanced on a sacrifice. Amy Laughner tripled down the righth field line to score both runners and tie the game. Catholic had runners on first and third, when Susquehanna forced a groundout to get out of the inning.
After Susquehanna could not get a run across in the bottom of the seventh, the game went to extra innings. Catholic left two stranded in the top of the eighth setting up the Crusaders' chance to win. Susquehanna drew two walks on top of Kathryn Gilbert's bunt single to load the bases. Alyssa Cantalini drew the bases loaded walk for Larissa Luu to score the game-winning run.
Susquehanna had five hits from five different players. Catholic was paced by Laughner who went 2-for-4 at the plate with the two RBI.
Sarah Hoffman earned the win in relief for Susquehanna after pitching the final inning and two thirds. Morgan Lewis went 6.1 innings with four strikeouts.
Kerri Apicella took the loss for the Cardinals after scattering five hits with four strikeouts in seven innings of work.