BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Five two-out runs in the first inning, capped by a two-run home run from sophomore Hailee Sobieski (Wharton, N.J./Morris Catholic) helped propel the fifth-seeded Lycoming College softball team to a 8-0 five-inning win over third-seeded Juniata College in an elimination game to wrap up the first day at the Landmark Conference Championship at Blue-Grey Field.
The Warriors (17-15 overall) move on to Game 5 of the championship on Sunday, May 12, and will face the second-seeded Catholic University of America in another elimination game at 11 a.m. at Blue-Grey Field.
The rally started with a double from junior Rachel Daub (Honesdale, Pa./Honesdale Area) before sophomore Alex Eckerson (Hopatcong, N.J./Morris Catholic) drew a walk, setting up a RBI single from junior
Avery Eiswerth (Williamsport, Pa./Williamsport Area). Sophomore Mallory Rodarmel (Montoursville, Pa./Loyalsock Township) followed with a double into right center to clear the bags before Sobieski delivered a two-run homer to center field.
Lycoming tacked a run on in the second as senior Kylie Segraves (Williamsport, Pa./Williamsport Area) singled before Daub and Eckerson also singled to allow her to score.
In the fifth, Eckerson started the rally with a single up the middle. After a sac bunt allowed Eiswerth to reach and a popout, Sobieski singled into right before first-year Cadence Lines (Middletown, Pa./Middletown Area) drove in Eckerson witha single. After a strikeout, Alexander notched the last of Lycoming's 11 hits to bring in Eiswerth.
Daub went 2-for-3 with a run, Eckerson was 2-for-2 with a run and RBI and Sobieski went 2-for-3 with a run, a homer and two RBI.
Eiswerth (8-8) tossed four innings, allowing two hits and a strikeout. Senior Kylie Russell (Cogan Station, Pa./Jersey Shore Area) threw a perfect fifth inning, striking out one. Kenzie Tapias (2-4) threw 0.2 innings, allowing three hits and four runs for the Eagles (18-19 overall).
