SELINSGROVE, PA- Susquehanna softball splits the series against the Spartans of York College Pa. in a cold and windy afternoon mid-week doubleheader. The River Hawks fell in the first game of the afternoon, 5-11, before rallying behind junior pitcher Brianna Jones as she tallied yet another win to her resume. Susquehanna defeated the Spartans 8-0 in the second matchup of the day.
Game 1: York 11, Susquehanna 5
Susquehanna jumped out to an early lead as Katelyn Dugery singled to third base, advancing the runners, resulting in Bri Jones touching the home bag. Susquehanna led the match 1-0 after the first frame. The Spartans tied the game up in the second frame, while the third inning resulted in zero runs for both teams. The fourth inning saw York take a two run lead, 3-1. Hannah Roland reached first base on a throwing error, resulting in two runs being scored. Jones sent a ball to deep center field, just missing out on the home run hit, resulting in an RBI for the junior. Susquehanna clung onto a one run lead entering the sixth inning, 4-3. York's offense exploded in the fifth inning, spotting a five run inning. Susquehanna cut into the Spartans lead in the bottom half of the sixth inning, but the Spartans prevailed in the match taking the opening game 11-5.
Ashley Carlson earned the start for the River Hawks allowing four hits and three runs in her 3.1 innings of service. Emily Deitch showcased her pitching skills in her first pitching appearance of the season in the matchup.
Game 2: Susquehanna 8, York 0
Game two consisted of an offensive showcase for the River Hawks. A four run first inning saw the River Hawks sitting comfortably in the matchup. Hannah Roland started the offensive slew of runs for SU as she singled to second base, earning an RBI as Brianna Jones earned another run to her incredible junior campaign. Stevie Shaak patiently waited out her at-bat taking a walk to first base, which forced Lexi Palumbo to score. Savannah Patrone also earned a walk with her first at-bat, forcing Katelyn Dugery to take the home bag. Emily Deitch sent a sacrifice fly to second base to tally SU's final RBI of the first frame. Susquehanna led the match 4-0 entering the second inning. Brianna Jones continued her dominance on the mound facing three batters and sitting three batters down. Susquehanna tacked on an additional two runs in the bottom half of the inning. Graysen Trybulski scored a run for SU off of a Lexi Palumbo ground-out to the Spartans pitcher. Jones also scored for the River Hawks this inning off of a wild pitch. The third and fourth inning consisted of both teams on the defensive prowl, before SU found their rhythm once again on the offensive side of the ball. Patrone double to center, sending Shaak from second to home. Jones finished her afternoon singling to right field, pushing the game deciding run across the plate. Olivia Murray scored the deciding run.
Brianna Jones earned the start for the River Hawks, showcasing yet another shutout complete game victory. The junior pitcher advances to 4-3 on the season. Jones gave up two hits, while striking out six batters in the win over the Spartans.
Up Next for SU:
Susquehanna sits at 5-11 on the season following the split against the Spartans. The River Hawks are back in action against conference foe The University of Scranton in a doubleheader matchup on March 29.
