LATROBE, PA - This afternoon Redhawk softball hit the road to Saint Vincent. The team played a doubleheader with the Bearcats, fighting hard to continue their win streak.
GAME ONE
The first contest of the day seemed as if it would slip away from La Roche. The team was down 3 runs by the third inning. Kennedi Winslow drove in that lone run with a double out to left field, allowing Katie Gaughan to cross home plate.
However, in the sixth inning, the La Roche offense that we've been accustomed to this season came to life. Ashlee Bair got things started reaching base on a single to right field. She was then able to advance into scoring position on a bunt from Jessalyn Daniels. Alexis Myers was able to push Bair across home plate with a single to right field. Macy Vignolini put herself, and Myers into scoring position with a double right down the right-field line. Abby Hoffman brought Myers home with a sacrifice fly to right field. Vignolini crossed home plate to tie the game 4-4 after the Bearcats' third baseman committed an error. The Bearcats were able to get the final out, but not before the tenacity of the La Roche offense put them back in the game.
Unfortunately for La Roche, Saint Vincent answered with 3 runs of their own, to regain the lead. The Redhawks weren't ready to give up just yet and in the top of the seventh inning they battled for their second comeback of the game.
Winslow once again singled to right field to get herself on base. Ashtin Hoover rocked a line drive to left, moving Winslow into scoring position and putting herself on first. Bair singled to right field, moving everyone around once more, and now having the tying run on base, with no outs. Brandi Clyde stayed patient at the plate and earned herself an RBI on a walk. She also became the run that would take the lead from the Bearcats should she be able to cross home plate. Garrah Milochik checked in to pinch hit, and although she grounded out, she earned an RBI in the process from the quick base-running of Hoover who crossed home plate while Milochik was thrown out at first. Bair and Clyde remained in scoring position. Unforutanltey, they would both be left on as the next two batters fell to the Saint Vincent defense. The Redhawks fell by only one after almost pulling off 2 comebacks in one game.
La Roche recorded 9 hits on the day, with both Bair and Winslow collecting multiple. Winslow led the team going 3-for4 at the dish.
Myers took the loss in the circle for the Redhawks. The righty struck out 1 batter and walked 0 Bearcats.
GAME TWO
Game two was a battle from the very beginning with La Roche. The team struggled against the strong Bearcats pitcher and could not get a ball to fall their way.
Kennedi Winslow in the circle held the Bearcats scoreless until the fourth inning. She stuck it out for five and one-third of an inning, striking out 5, and only walking one. Ashtin Hoover came in to pitch the remainder of the game in relief.
Alexis Myers led La Roche at the plate going 2-for-3. Kennedi Winslow, Emma Bizay, and Abby Hoffman each also recorded a hit in the second contest.
La Roche will open their conference season at home this Sunday against the Penn State Behrend Lions. The doubleheader is scheduled for 1 PM and 3 PM.