ERIE, PA - This afternoon in their elimination game against No. 6 Pitt-Greensburg, the Redhawks battled in extra innings to stay alive and to march on once again.
What Happened:
La Roche maintained the lead up until the top of the sixth inning. Kennedi Winslow scored on an error in the first inning (1-0), Ashtin Hoover socked a double to left field, scoring Ashlee Bair (2-0), and in the fifth Emma Bizy singled up the left side, allowing Winslow to score once again (3-0). With a 3-run lead and with just potential 1 a half innings of play left, the Redhawks thought they could relax.
The Bobcats proved them wrong, scoring 3 runs to tie up the game in the top of the 6th inning. Both teams remained scoreless until the ninth inning.
Greenburg got the first run on the board, officially taking the lead for the first time in the game (4-3). The Redhawks quickly got the final out of the inning, and then got to work on what could have potentially been their last at-bat of the season.
The La Roche firepower started right away with senior, Abby Hoffman rocking a single up the middle of the field. Hoover soon followed suit, laying down a bunt that the Bobcats' pitcher failed to turn into an out, Hoover reaching base on an error, representing the winning run. Macy Vignolini stepped up to the plate.
Vignolini wasn't having the best day at the plate, or in the field, being the owner of two errors. But in true La Roche spirit, she didn't let those past plays affect her and pulled through when her team needed her most. Vignolini ripped a hard ball into center field, with just enough gumption to drive in not only the tying run (Hoffman) but also the winning run. Hoover also deserves some large credit for her base running, scoring all the way from first base, and avoiding the tag by the Bobcats' catcher.
Hoover went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead the Redhawks offensively, also earning one RBI and scoring the winning run in the process. Vignolini recorded 2 RBIs and Bizay earned 1.
Hoover on top of leading at the plate, also earned the win in the circle, finishing out the final four innings for the Redhawks.
What's Next:
The Redhawks march on to face off with No. 3 Penn State Altoona this afternoon at 3:00 PM. Whoever wins this game will play again directly after to determine who will move on to compete for the right to be AMCC Champion and earn the conference's bid into the NCAA Tournament.