Softball falls to Fifth Ave. foe Chatham

MUNHALL, Pa. --- Carlow University softball fell to Chatham University in a doubleheader at West Field Thursday night.

Game 1: L, 4-2

The Celtics struck first in third inning. Kamyia Morris (Pittsburgh, Pa./Seton LaSalle Catholic HS) hit a one-out single to left field and a sacrifice bunt by Lexi Berta (DuBois, Pa./DuBois Central Catholic) moved her over. In infield error in the next at-bat allowed Morris to score the unearned run before the Cougars left two runners stranded to escape the inning.

Carlow retired Chatham (3-9) in order in the bottom of the third, and pitcher Tatum Wiggs (Boron, Calif./Boron HS) recorded back-to-back strikeouts in the bottom of the fourth to hold onto the Celtics' 1-0 advantage.

Despite allowing two singles in the top of the fifth, the Cougars left two Carlow runners stranded and gained the lead in the bottom half of the frame.

A lead-off error, a steal and a ground out put a runner on third for Chatham. A walk and a single loaded the bases, and a sacrifice fly to center field tied the game at 1-1. An infield single gave the Cougars a 2-1 lead heading into the sixth.

A single, an error and a stolen base put Chatham ahead 4-1 in the bottom of the sixth.

Morris led off with an infield single, and Berta bunted her over once again. A wild pitch put her on third, and back-to-back walks loaded the bases for the Celtics with two outs on the board.

Carrah Scardina (Natrona Heights, Pa./Highlands HS) hit an infield single to bring in the run, but the Cougars recorded the final out to end the game.

Wiggs allowed two unearned runs on four hits with four strikeouts and a walk in five innings of work. Gianna Ferrieri (South Park, Pa./Seton LaSalle Catholic HS) tossed the final inning, allowing two unearned runs on two hits with a strikeout. Morris hit 3 for 4 in the game.

Victoria Murren earned the win in the circle for the Cougars, allowing one unearned run on four hits with three strikeouts and four walks in 5.1 innings. Hannah Uhrinek picked up a save, allowing one earned run on two hits with two walks in 1.2 innings.

Game 2: L, 11-7 (6 inn.)

The lights went out for the Celtics in the nightcap – literally and figuratively. The game ended early due to a miscommunication about timing of the lights on the field, leaving both teams in the dark midway through the sixth inning.

Carlow led 5-3 heading into the bottom of the fifth, when Chatham exploded for eight runs to take the lead. The Cougars scored eight runs on seven hits with the help of two errors.

The Celtics attempted a comeback in the top of the sixth.

Cailyn Lucas (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Hills HS) hit a one-out single but was out at second in the next play. Berta smacked a double down the right field line to bring Morris home, and a single up the middle from Mackenzie Egley (Shelocta, Pa./Armstrong HS) bought Berta around.

Trailing 11-7, Carlow managed two outs in the bottom of the inning before the lights went out at West Field.

Ferrieri went 2 for 3 with an RBI and two runs scored but suffered the loss in the circle after allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits.

Josie Underdonk picked up the win for the Cougars, allowing seven runs (five earned) on eight hits with three walks and two strikeouts in 5.2 innings. Murren went 4 for 4 with a triple, a double and an RBI to lead Chatham. Gaby McTavish hit 2 for 4 with a triple and an RBI, and Olivia Harris went 3 for 3 with a double and two RBI.

The Celtics host Grove City today for their home opener at West Mifflin High School. First pitch is slated for 3 p.m.