NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — The Lycoming College softball team rode three-hit days from senior Claire Alexander (South Williamsport, Pa. / South Williamsport) and first year Isabelle Engel (Jersey Shore, Pa. / Jersey Shore Area) in a 13-hit attack to defeat Penn State-Abington, 11-2, which was followed by a 5-2 setback to Immaculata University on Friday, March 13 at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex.

Lycoming (4-4) finished off a stretch of eight games in five days with the twinbill. The Warriors set season highs in runs and hits in Friday's opener.

A five-run second frame kicked off the scoring in the opener against Penn State-Abington (5-2). A throwing error on a bunt attempt scored the first run and ignited the rally, then senior Kristen George (Montoursville, Pa. / Montoursville Area) singled in the second tally. Alexander doubled home a run, then the fourth run of the frame came home on a sacrifice fly from senior Alex Eckerson (Hopatcong, N.J. / Morris Catholic). Senior Mallory Rodarmel (Montoursville, Pa. / Loyalsock Township) capped off the rally with an RBI single up the middle.

One inning after starting a rally with a leadoff hit, Engel started another by ripping a leadoff triple to right, then came around to score on an infield single from sophomore Ashley Forrest (Red Hill, Pa. / Upper Perkiomen), boosting the lead to six runs.

Penn State-Abington tallied two runs on three hits in the fourth, but Lycoming immediately responded with their second five-run frame. Alexander led off with her second double of the contest, then scored two batters later on Rodarmel's sacrifice fly. Senior Hailey Sobieski (Wharton, N.J. / Morris Catholic) singled in a second run ahead of Engel's third hit of the game, which was followed by Forrest's RBI double. Engel raced home on a wild pitch, then Forrest scored the final run of the frame on a groundout, lifting Lycoming to an 11-2 advantage.

First year hurler Sage Smeltz (Tower City, Pa. / Williams Valley) gave way after 4.0 innings to junior Kendall McAnelly (Williamsport, Pa. / Williamsport Area), who tossed the final three outs as the Warriors claimed a five-inning win by run rule.

Alexander finished 3-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI, Engel was also 3-for-3 with a triple and two runs scored. Forrest recorded two hits, including a double, and two RBI, while Rodarmel drove in two. Smeltz (3-0) worked four innings, scattering eight hits and allowing two runs (one earned) while striking out three and issuing no walks to earn the win. 

Immaculata scored three runs on four hits in the top of the second of the second contest, including RBI triples from Alexis Andrata and Emma Pinto to pull in front, 3-0.

After recording one hit in the first three innings, the Warriors put their first run on the board in the fourth as Eckerson led off with a single, then moved to third on Rodarmel's double and scored on a sacrifice fly from Sobieski, trimming the deficit to two runs.

However, Immaculata responded, taking advantage of two Lycoming miscues to score two unearned runs on three hits in the top of the fifth, taking a 5-1 lead.

Lycoming did not go quietly, though, as Rodarmel and Sobieski swatted consecutive one-out doubles to score a run in the sixth. The Warriors then loaded the bases with one out, but a diving catch in center field ended the inning with the Warriors down 5-2. The Warriors brought the tying run to the plate in the seventh as well, but didn't draw any closer.

Rodarmel went 3-for-4 with two doubles, while Sobieski added a double and drove in both runs. Engel recorded her fourth hit of the day and also threw 2.1 scoreless innings in relief.

Andrada had three hits and an RBI for Immaculata, who also recieved 5.1 innings of two-run ball from Sara Pierson and a five-out save from Nadia Bhuiyan.

The Warriors will be back in action on Wednesday, March 18 for a doubleheader at Misericordia. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. from Dallas, Pa.