Box Score (Game One) | Box Score (Game Two)
HIRAM, Ohio – Hiram senior Whitney Dropsey threw a five-hit shutout for a 4-0 game-one victory, before going 4-for-6 from the plate and knocking in the game-winning run with an RBI single in the top of the 11th for a 4-3 win in the nightcap to sweep Allegheny in North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) softball action on Sunday afternoon.
In the bottom of the seventh in game two, the Gators (8-11, 1-3 NCAC) were one out away from a 3-2 victory. Jena Ervin walked and Ashley Pike doubled to send the game-tying run home to force extra innings. Both teams went scoreless for the next three innings with the tie-breaking rule coming into effect in the 10th.
In the top of the 11th inning, Felicia Gowlanock was placed on second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Sophie Katz walked to put runners on the corners. On the first out, Katz advanced to second but the Terriers (13-9, 4-0 NCAC) were able to get the next two outs to secure one more chance to bat.
Kelly Langland started on second base for Hiram and moved to third on a Marlene Smith’s single. Breanna Appleby caught the first out in left field and Steph Fort made the next out at short stop. Dropsey stepped up and hit an RBI single to score Langland to win game two.
Katie Wills had two hits and two RBIs, while Amanda Downey pitched the entire 10 2/3 innings and striking out nine in the loss.
Dropsey came in fourth to relieve Sarah Padilla after just an inning of work. She only gave up three hits and struck out four to collect her second win of the day.
In game one, Dropsey was the answer for the Terriers offensively and defensively. She recorded three of the nine hits and went the distance on the hill to keep the Gators off the scoreboard.
After four scoreless innings, Hiram was able to get three runs in the fifth. With two outs, the Terriers took advantage of an Allegheny error to avoid the third out and post three hits, including two doubles to take a 3-0 lead.
Dropsey’s single in the sixth gave Hiram another run for the final margin.
Maggie Bodenlos had a double in each game. Brittany Rung took the loss, allowing nine hits and striking out three.
The Gators travel to Buffalo State on Tuesday for a non-conference doubleheader. Game time is 3:30 p.m.