NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – A three-run rally in the top of the seventh inning spurred on by a two-RBI single by senior Nikki Marianelli (Old Forge, Pa./Old Forge) helped the Lycoming College softball team break a tie and go on for a 7-4 win over Robert Morris-Springfield to help the squad post a split on its second day at Fast Pitch Dreams Spring Classic on Tuesday, March 10. The Warriors fell to Randolph College, 4-3, in the first game of the day at the North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex.
 
With the game tied at four, junior Dominique Thomas (Williamsport, Pa./Williamsport Area) singled to center field with two outs in the seventh inning. Senior Caroline Lapano (Harrisburg, Pa./Trinity) followed with a walk before Marianelli delivered a two-RBI single to left field. Junior Kristi Weaver (Milton, Pa./Milton Area) followed with a double to left field to score Marianelli.
 
In the bottom of the inning, Weaver (2-1) allowed a single, but nothing else to secure the win after two innings of relief. She allowed four hits, but just one run and struck out two.
 
The Eagles (2-4 overall) jumped out to a three-run lead in the first two innings. Lycoming closed within two runs in the fourth when Weaver drew a two-out walk before freshman Rachael Shady (Lock Haven, Pa./Central Mountain) delivered a triple to left field. In the fifth inning, the Warriors took the lead thanks to three runs, as sophomore Kelcie Crabb (Millmont, Pa./Mifflinburg) led off by getting hit by a pitch. An error allowed junior Ashley Burger (Montoursville, Pa./Montoursville) reach before senior Kali Moeller (Fredericksburg, Va./Chancellor) delivered an RBI single. A passed ball helped Burger score and an error allowed Moeller to give the Warriors the lead.
 
Robert Morris tied the game with three singles in the sixth inning, but a double play on a flyout to the first baseman helped the Warriors end the frame.
 
Moeller led the Warriors, going 2-for-3 with a run and RBI and Marianelli led the team with two RBI. Both Weaver and Shady also had a hit and RBI.
 
Kierstynn Kinast led the Eagles, going 3-for-4 with an RBI, Tara Scott went 3-for-3 with a run and Brittney Hood went 2-for-3 with two RBI.
 
Shady started the game for the Warriors, allowing six hits, three runs, two walks and striking out one in five innings. Samantha Nowicki took the loss for the Eagles, allowing three hits and three earned runs in three innings.
 
The Warriors came within feet of tying their game against Randolph College in the early game, but a great throw from the first baseman to the catcher ended the game and helped Randolph to a 4-3 win.
 
Shady drew a one-out walk and after a sacrifice bunt, she moved to second base. A dropped third strike helped move Shady to third base and after the ensuing throw to first base, she headed for home, but was thrown out by Hunter Glave.
 
Lycoming took the lead in the second inning, as Crabb was hit by a pitch. A fielder's choice allowed Lapano to reach. After a strikeout, an error moved her to second base and walks by junior Chelsey Poorman (Bellefonte, Pa./Bald Eagle Area) and junior Elisa Novak (Ambler, Pa./Germantown Academy) helped drive in Lapano.
 
The Warriors added two more runs in the fourth inning, as Novak reached on a two-out error before senior Katie Pugh (Sykesville, Md./Century) delivered a single to left field. Marianelli followed with an RBI single to left field and another error helped bring in Pugh.
 
Randolph tied the game at three in the bottom of the fifth, using four hits and an error to score the runs. In the sixth, the WildCats used two singles and a sacrifice bunt to scratch the winning run across.
 
The Warriors posted three hits in the first game, with Pugh leading the team with a hit and a run and Marianelli adding a hit and RBI. Patti Vinson and Rachel Hickman led the WildCats with two hits a piece.
 
Lapano tossed five innings, allowing seven hits and three unearned runs. She struck out three. Weaver took the loss, allowing two hits and one run in one inning. Lauren Morris (1-1) earned the win for Randolph, striking out three and walking three in two shutout innings.
 
The Warriors get back on the field on Wednesday, March 11, when they face Cazenovia at 9:30 a.m. and Cairn at 11:30 a.m.