LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – Playing for the first time this season since March 12 and the first time at home on Lawrence Field in nearly two years, the Lock Haven University softball team (1-5, 1-5 PSAC East) earned a thrilling split with nationally-ranked West Chester University as the two teams locked up in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division action.
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Lock Haven knocked off the No. 20 Golden Rams 5-1 in game one, but West Chester rallied late in game two on the way to a 7-4 extra-inning victory (8 inn.).
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Tremendous team defense and stellar pitching from
Jada Schellhammer (Tamaqua, Pa./Tamaqua) were a big part of the game-one victory.
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Schellhammer dominated in the circle and scattered five hits over seven innings. She struck out three and didn't surrender a walk. Schellhammer was certainly backed up by strong defense throughout as the young Bald Eagle team played well for the first time this season on the home field.
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Riley McClellan (Granville Summit, Pa./Troy) was 2 for 2 with two RBIs and a run scored.
Morgan Karasek (Bangor, Pa./Bangor) went 2 for 3 with a run scored and an RBI.
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In game one, Lock Haven took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second and the Bald Eagles scored four more runs in the fourth to break open the game on the way to the upset-victory in the opening game of the doubleheader.
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Trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the seventh of game two,
Haley Lestician (Lawrenceville, N.J./Lawrence) tied the game with one swing of the bat as she homered to center field.
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The Golden Rams however found some late-game magic of their own and plated three runs in the top of the eighth. The three runs in extras proved to be the difference.
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Summer Peters (Lancaster, Pa./Lampeter-Strasburg) was impressive in game two and went 3 for 3 with a run scored and an RBI. Lestician finished 2 for 3 with two RBIs as the duo carried the strong offensive outing.
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Today marked the Bald Eagles first home game since April 27, 2019. They will be right back on Lawrence Field tomorrow (Wednesday, March 24) at 2/4 p.m. when Lock Haven hosts Kutztown University in a PSAC East doubleheader.
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