Softball splits doubleheader in RSC City Game against Point Park

KENNEDY TWP., Pa. --- Carlow University softball split a River States Conference series against crosstown rival Point Park University at Fairhaven Park Tuesday.

The Pioneers (6-8, 3-3 RSC) took the first game off the Celtics (6-16, 2-4 RSC), 4-2, but Carlow came through with a 5-2 win in the nightcap.

Game 2: W, 5-2

Amelia Herzer hit a grand slam in the top of the fourth to help lift Carlow to victory in the nightcap.

Morgan Pierce retired the Pioneers in order through three innings before Carlow's breakout inning.

Megan Pollinger got it started with a double to left-center field, and Maddie Bowes singled to left to put runners on for Carlow.

McKenna Pierce loaded the bases with one out after being hit by a pitch, and Herzer stepped to the plate and nailed a home run over the left field fence to clear the bases and put the Celtics up, 4-0.

Back-to-back singles in the bottom half of the frame afforded Point Park a run, but Carlow caught a runner attempting to stretch out the play, and a ground out ended the inning before more could be done.

Clara Niglio added an insurance run in the top of the sixth with a two-out single to left-center, and once again the Carlow defense kept the Pioneers at bay in the bottom of the inning.

The Pioneers attempted a comeback in the bottom of the seventh. With runners on the corners, Point Park tried for a steal, but McKenna Pierce caught the runner at second for the second out of the inning. Although that allowed the runner at third to score, Morgan Pierce forced a pop fly to end the game.

Bowes hit 2 for 2 in the game, and Morgan Pierce picked up the complete game win on the mound.

Morgan Pierce scattered six hits and allowed two runs, two walks and three strikeouts.

Game 1: L, 4-2

It was a quick game to start the afternoon, ending a little over an hour after first pitch.

The Pioneers hit three singles in a row to start the game with a run in the first before the Celtics turned a pop fly into a double play to end the inning.

A double and two ground outs in the bottom of the second added another run for Point Park, and a two-run home run to left-center field in the third put the Pioneers ahead, 4-0.

Pitcher Pollinger and the Carlow defense would not allow another run the remainder of the game, but the Celtics struggled to get runs across until the final inning.

A walk, a single and a ground out put runners on second and third for Carlow in the top of the seventh.

Hannah Gallagher hit a two-out single to right-center to bring them both home, but Point Park ended the game with a pop fly in the next at-bat.

Pollinger was saddled with the loss after allowing four runs on nine hits with one walk in a complete game effort.

Cameron Meier went 3 for 3, while Angalee Beall and Sydnie Reese each hit 2 for 3.

Beall tallied three RBI and picked up the win for Point Park, scattering five hits and allowing two runs with four walks and two strikeouts.

The Celtics return to RSC action this weekend.