Softball swept in conference action against Midway (Ky.)

DANVILLE, Ky. --- Carlow University softball lost two tough River States Conference contests to Midway (Ky.) University on the road Saturday.

The Celtics (5-15, 1-3 RSC) fell to the Eagles (11-7, 5-1 RSC), 8-3 and 10-0 (5 inn.).

Game 1: L, 8-3

Midway struck first in the first game of the afternoon.

With runners on second and third and one out, a single up the middle put the first run on the board for Midway.

Another single in the next at-bat brought in two runs to give the Eagles a 3-0 advantage.

The Celtics returned the favor in the top of the third.

Paige Ziggas hit a one-out single to reach base, and a double to right-center field off the bat of Megan Pollinger put runners on the corners for Carlow.

Morgan Nedley hit a two-out, RBI single to right to bring in Ziggas, and a centerfield single from Alayna Mintz got two more across to tie the score, 3-3.

Carlow retired the Eagles in order in the bottom half of the frame, but Midway broke the tie in the bottom of the fourth.

The Eagles scored five runs on seven hits to lead, 8-3.

Midway allowed Carlow just two more hits the remainder of the game to secure the win.

Ziggas and Pollinger hit 2 for 4, and Mintz went 2 for 2 with two RBI.

Pollinger was saddled with the loss after allowing eight runs on nine hits in 3.1 innings of work. She struck out one and walked three.

Morgan Pierce tossed the final two innings without allowing any runs on four hits, two strikeouts and a walk.

Two Midway players hit 3 for 4, and pitcher Madison Ludwig went the distance, allowing three runs on eight hits while fanning six Celtics and walking two.

Game 2: L, 10-0 (5 inn.)

Midway made quick work of the Celtics in the nightcap, enacting the mercy rule after five innings.

The Eagles three-hit the Celtics and put together eight hits within the first three innings.

A two-run double in the first gave Midway its lead, and the Eagles scored eight runs on five hits in the bottom of the second to gain a 10-0 advantage.

Carlow had runners on the corners with two outs in the fourth but could not bring anyone home.

Clara Niglio suffered the loss, allowing nine runs (eight earned) on six hits with four walks in 1.2 innings of work.

Pierce ended the game once again, allowing one run on two hits with a strikeout and two walks over 2.1 innings.

Three different Midway players recorded two RBI in the game.

The Celtics return to action for an RSC city game against Point Park University – a 3 p.m. doubleheader at Fairhaven Park in Kennedy Twp. March 28.