(CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.) – Softball in the United East featured some bad news and good news for Wilson as it hosted Penn State Berks in a doubleheader on Tuesday afternoon. The bad news was the Phoenix were shutout in both games to the Nittany Lions who extended their winning streak to 18 games.
The good news is that with other results around the league Wilson clinched a spot in the United East Championship tournament which is set to start next Wednesday.
The Basics
Scores: Game 1 – Wilson 0, Penn State Berks 9 (5 Innings)
Game 2 – Wilson 0, Penn State Berks 6
Venue: Wilson Softball Field
Records: Wilson 18-13, 7-7 UE; Penn State Berks 21-7, 14-0 UE
How It Happened (Game 1)
- Berks got on the board early with a pair of unearned runs in the top of the first. Wilson had a strong chance to answer as Jenna Weaver (FY, Camp Hill, Pa. / Cedar Cliff) and Katelyn Keller (FY, Orrtanna, Pa. / Gettysburg) were both put on base after being hit by pitches, but an infield fly and a ground out to Laurel Zubler ended the threat.
- The Nittany Lions broke the game open from there as they posted six runs in the second inning. On the opposite side the Phoenix struggled against one of the top pitchers in the league in Paige Brightwell who carried a no-hitter into the fifth. Samantha Rybacki (FY, Mechanicsburg, Pa. / Mechanicsburg) broke it up with a base hit to right center and Rylee Piper (So., Newville, Pa. / Big Spring) added one herself to the same location, but both runners were left stranded.
How It Happened (Game 2)
- The Phoenix faired better at the plate in the nightcap, but the Nittany Lions defense remained steadfast in chasing every ball down. Sydney Hartle (FY, Keedysville, Md. / Boonsboro) provided a spark with a double to left center that put Carleigh Magers (FY, Mount Airy, Md. / Urbana) on third, however both were left stranded in the second. Sydney Barker (FY, Bel Air, Md. / John Carroll) and Weaver led off the bottom of the fifth by reaching safely, but once again Berks put a halt on the momentum and worked its way out of the jam.
- Berks started off the game in a similar fashion as the opener with two runs. An error allowed the visitors to score another run for a 3-0 lead in the third. They then rallied for three runs on four hits in the sixth to set up the final score.
Inside The Numbers
- Magers had a solid game in Game 2 as she was a perfect 3-for-3 with a double. She is now 7-for-10 with three runs, two RBIs, and three doubles in the last four games.
- Piper came on in relief in Game 2 and struck out five.
Up Next
With playoff seeding still undetermined, the Phoenix will head to Allentown to take on Cedar Crest in the regular season finale. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday.
