(CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.) – Wilson remained unbeaten in conference and swept Penn State Harrisburg in a battle between two of the top teams in the United East on Wednesday afternoon. The Phoenix defense shined throughout the day as they didn't allow a single earned run against the Lions and shut out the visitors in Game 2. It was also the first sweep for Wilson over Penn State Harrisburg since 2017.
After the results around the league were posted, Wilson also found out it clinched a spot in the United East Championship tournament.
The Basics
Scores: Game 1 – Wilson 3, Penn State Harrisburg 1
Game 2 – Wilson 11, Penn State Harrisburg 0 (5 Innings)
Venue: Wilson Softball Field
Records: Wilson 23-8-1, 10-0 UE; Penn State Harrisburg 16-9, 6-4 UE
How It Happened (Game 1)
- The opener was a pitchers' duel with Wilson's Elena Worthington (Jr., Shippensburg, Pa. / Shippensburg) going up against Chambersburg native Kylee Miller for Harrisburg. Worthington set the tone early with two strikeouts in the opening frame. The Phoenix were able to fill the bases in bottom half, but Miller was able to get out of the inning unscathed.
- It wasn't until the fourth inning that Wilson was finally able to break through. Three-straight singles to start the inning set up Caitlin Oliviero (Jr., Wernersville, Pa. / Conrad Weiser) who hit a sacrifice fly to right that scored Jenna Weaver (So., Camp Hill, Pa. / Cedar Cliff). Kiera O'Brine (Jr., Dillsburg, Pa. / Northern) followed up with another base hit to right to score Kayla Talbert (Jr., Hagerstown, Md. / North Hagerstown / Saint Peter's).
- Harrisburg was able to answer in the top of the fifth as an error fielding a base hit in the outfield allowed Lillian Feltenberger to score from first. Worthington was unphased and retired two of the next three batters to get out of the jam. Oliviero was able to get the run back on a base hit to the shortstop while Weaver scored once again. The Lions threatened again in the six, but left two stranded and then were retired in order in the seventh to end the game.
How It Happened (Game 2)
- Wilson started the scoring in the second go-around much earlier. Walks to Emily Randalls (So., Dillsburg, Pa. / Northern York) and Talbert sandwiched around a Sydney Hartle (So., Keedysville, Md. / Boonsboro) single set up Addison Woods (FY, North East, Md. / Tome School) who delivered a big blow with a double to left center to clear the bases. Two innings later, Talbert and Woods scored on a Katelyn Keller (So., Orrtanna, Pa. / Gettysburg) bunt single after the putout attempt was overthrown and ricocheted into right field after hitting the fence. The speedy Keller was able to circle around standing up to make it 6-0.
- The Phoenix delivered the knockout blow in the bottom of the fourth. After O'Brine doubled and Randalls walked, Hartle doubled to left center to bring both in and make the score 8-0. Wilson wasn't done and Woods added another double to score Alyssa Kennard (FY, Camden, Del. / Caesar Rodney) who was pinch running for Hartle. Woods scored on a base hit by Keller through the left side and Keller scored on a base hit by Madison Briggs (Sr., Lock Haven, Pa. / Central Mountain) to make it 11-0.
Inside The Numbers
- Worthington was dealing as she allowed just one unearned run on five hits and three walks in the opener. She struck out seven in the process while improving to 5-2 on the season.
- Julia Wilkes (So., Abingdon, Md . / John Carroll) recorded her first shutout of the season and the third of her career. She stymied the Lions' who managed just four hits and three walks with three strikeouts. She is now 7-1 on the year.
- Randalls had a solid day at the plate as she went 3-for-4 with two walks. She added two runs in Game 2.
- Woods excelled in Game 2 as she went 2-for-2 with two doubles, four RBIs, and two runs scored.
- Wilson totaled 23 hits on the day with a dozen in Game 1.
- The Phoenix have now won nine of their last 10 games.
Up Next
The Phoenix will conclude a busy day at Kris's Meadow on Saturday with a doubleheader against Keystone. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. following the women's lacrosse game against Elmira.
