GREENSBURG, PA. – The Mount Aloysius softball team (10-7, 3-1 AMCC) hit the road today for a conference doubleheader against the Pitt-Greensburg Bobcats (9-13, 3-3 AMCC). Game one was scheduled for 3:00 PM, followed by game two at 5:00 PM. This marked the Mounties' first action in ten days due to a stretch of weather-related postponements.
GAME ONE
Mount Aloysius looked to pick up right where they left off before the unexpected break. The bats were active early, with both teams combining for seven runs in the first two innings.
The Mounties struck in the opening frame when
Sophie Smith (Mapleton Depot, Pa., Mount Union) led off with a double to left field. Two batters later,
Maya Capozzoli (Camp Hill, Pa., Cedar Cliff) reached on an error, allowing Smith to score. Later in the inning,
Sarah Henninger (DuBois, Pa., DuBois) doubled to right-center, bringing in Cappolzi.
Whitney Cole (McDonald, Pa., South Fayette) followed that up with a single to right field, scoring Henninger and giving the Mounties an early boost. Despite this, the Mounties trailed 4-3
Mount Aloysius tied the game in the top of the fourth inning when Henninger hit her second double of the game. A few batters later,
Maggie Cypher (Kittanning, Pa., Armstrong) brought her home with a sacrifice fly. However, the momentum shifted quickly in the bottom of the fourth, as Pitt-Greensburg erupted for eight runs to take a commanding 12-4 lead.
The Mounties would add just one more run, a solo home run by
Sophie Smith in the top of the fifth inning, but it wasn't enough to close the gap. Mount Aloysius dropped game one by a final score of 13-5.
Sierra Walters (East Freedom, Pa., Claysburg-Kimmel) got the start for the Mounties, pitching four innings. She threw 91 pitches, struck out four batters, and allowed seven earned runs.
GAME TWO
Looking to bounce back from the tough loss in game one, the Mounties came out strong in the second contest as they applied pressure early.
Mount Aloysius took the lead in the top of the first inning.
Sarah Henninger led off with a single, and
Sophie Smith brought her home later in the inning with a sacrifice fly to put the Mounties up 1-0.
The game remained quiet until the fifth, when Henninger reached on an error and stole second base. With two outs,
Kendra Gardner (Mount Union, Pa. , Mount Union) came through with a clutch single to center field, scoring Henninger and doubling the lead.
The Mounties added two insurance runs in the top of the seventh. Both
Kendra Gardner and
Sophie Smith drove in runs to extend the lead to 4-0. The Bobcats were unable to respond, as Mount Aloysius secured the shutout win.
Jessica Koptcho (Mountain Top, Pa., Crestwood) was dominant on the mound, pitching a complete game. She threw 97 pitches, struck out eight, and didn't allow a single earned run.
UP NEXT...
The Mounties will be back in action tomorrow as they hit the road again to face Grove City. First pitch is scheduled for 3:30 PM.
