WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – A four-run first inning in the second game of the doubleheader and two key double plays helped the Lycoming College softball team post a 4-3 win over Susquehanna University to split the twinbill after falling in the opener, 4-0, in Landmark Conference action at the Shangraw Athletic Complex on Saturday, March 22.
 
After Susquehanna (4-10 overall, 1-1 Landmark) scored in the first, the Warriors (9-2 overall, 1-1 Landmark) broke through in the bottom of the inning. Junior Claire Alexander (South Williamsport, Pa./South Williamsport) singled to right to lead off and took second on a throwing error and third on a wild pitch before junior Alex Eckerson (Hopatcong, N.J./Morris Catholic) walked, setting up a double steal to tie the game. Senior Rachel Daub (Honesdale, Pa./Honesdale) singled and stole second, setting up a one-out RBI single from junior Mallory Rodarmel (Montoursville, Pa./Loyalsock Township). Rodarmel stole second and after a walk, junior Kristen George (Montoursville, Pa./Montoursville) delivered a sac fly before a wild pitch helped Rodarmel score.
 
The Warriors had three runners reach scoring position in the last five innings, but none could cross the plate. Susquehanna got a run back in the second, but an unconventional double play cut a runner down at the plate after a groundout to the pitcher. In the third, a liner to Alexander at short set up another double play. Susquehanna closed within a run in the fifth, but the Warriors left runners stranded at second in each of the last two innings.
 
Sophomore Kendall McAnelly (Williamsport, Pa./Williamsport Area) (3-0) pitched six innings, allowing six hits and two earned runs. She walked four and struck out two. Senior Avery Eiswerth (Williamsport, Pa./Williamsport Area) earned the save, her fourth of the year, with a strikeout in the seventh, as she allowed a hit and a walk. Hannah Foust (0-3) pitched one inning, allowing three hits, two walks and four runs for Susquehanna.
 
Alexander was 3-for-3 with a run for the Warriors. Brianna Jones was 2-for-4 with a run, a RBI and a double to lead the River Hawks.
 
Eiswerth (3-1) struck out a career-high 14 in the first game, as she allowed just five hits in a complete game 4-0 setback to Susquehanna.
 
Jones (3-2) tossed a two-hitter, striking out 10 for the River Hawks.
 
Eiswerth struck out five of the first six she faced and faced one over the minimum with 10 strikeouts in the first five innings.
 
A leadoff error was followed by three hits in the seventh inning to help Susquehanna score its runs.
 
First-year Ashley Forrest (Red Hill, Pa./Upper Perkiomen) and Eckerson had singles for Lycoming. Lexi Palumbo had a double and Jones a two-RBI single for Susquehanna.
 
The Warriors get back on the field on Wednesday, March 26, when they head to Penn College for a 3 p.m. non-conference doubleheader.