ST. DAVIDS, Pa. – Eastern Softball swept visiting Alvernia University on Tuesday afternoon winning by scores of 4-3 and 6-5. The Eagles used the arm of
Haleigh Williams in game one and a five-run fifth inning in game two to aid in the victories.
"I thought the girls played well as a team," said Head Coach
Claire Emplit. "They showed determination and a mental toughness in both games needed to pull out the wins. I am proud of the contributions that each member of the team made towards the wins."
In game one H. Williams got off to quick start allowing only two hits in the opening three innings. She forced the Crusaders (10-18) to go three up and three down in both the second and third innings to keep the score level at 0-0.
Alyssa Welsh doubled down the right field line the bottom half of the inning to get Eastern (10-20) on the scoreboard, 1-0. Alvernia would come back to tie the game in the top of the fourth, but the Eagles responded one inning later.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Eastern scored three runs in a span of three batters to stretch its lead to 4-1.
Kelsey Clever singled down the right field line to plate
Melissa Irick to break the 1-1 tie. After
Erin Johnson had been hit by a pitch to drive in another run,
Leah Lozzi singled to center to plate
Haleigh Williams and give Eastern the 4-1 advantage.
Haleigh Williams took over from there only allowing a two-run homer in the sixth to cut the deficit to just one, 4-3. She would then settle down to retire five of the next six batters to earn the victory.
"Haleigh is a leader for us and is an extremely hard worker," continued Emplit. "She has a way of finding her way out of tough situations and doesn't let base hits bother her. She gives her defense behind her the confidence to make plays under pressure situations."
Williams went seven innings, allowing seven hits, three runs, and recorded three strikeouts to earn her fifth win of the season.
In the second game of the day, Eastern fell behind early but would rally back to complete the series sweep. Welsh and
Maria Day were crucial as they combined for four RBI's to help the Eagles earn the victory.
"Alyssa and Maria were leaders in the lineup today," stated Emplit. They were able to put the ball in play and make things happen to lead to four RBI's. They helped create the momentum that the team was able to feed off of resulting in the win."
Eastern trailed 5-0 after the first two innings and was in need of some spark offensively. Welsh provided that spark when she doubled to center field to score Irick and trim the lead to just four.
In the fifth inning, though, the Eagles bats would come to life and turn the game in their favor.
Meagan Quinn reached base safely after and error and advanced to third on a
Morgan Burke double and a walk by
Kasey Williams would load the bases with no outs. Eastern would rattle off three straight runs to pull within one of the Crusaders. With the bases still loaded Day came through for Eastern with a two-run RBI single to center plating both Welsh and Irick to give the Eagles the lead and eventual win 6-5.
Quinn earned her first win of the season going four innings, allowing two hits, and no runs. Welsh finished the game going 2-4, scoring one run with two RBI's while Day went 1-3 with two RBI's.
"These wins give us the confidence that we can go into any game and pull out a win," concluded Emplit.
Eastern travels to Moravian on April 21st for a 3 pm start.
