READING, Pa. – The Neumann University softball team split a doubleheader at Alvernia University on Thursday afternoon in non-conference action. The Knights took the first game 12-8. The Crusaders responded in game two, 4-0.
 
In game one, Becky Guinto went 5-for-5, scored three runs and knocked in two. Jackie Schneider went 3-for-5 with four RBI, three runs scored and a homerun.
 
Taylor Sirolli started the game and went 3.1 innings. Michaela Pembleton picked up the win, going 3.2 innings in relief.
 
The Crusaders took an early 2-0 lead in the first inning. The Knights tied the game at two in the third inning. With two outs, Guinto doubled and scored on a single by Schneider. Schneider scored on a single by Julia Cox.
 
Alvernia plated a run in the third and four in the fourth to take a 7-2 lead. Neumann answered by sending 13 batters to the plate in the fifth inning and scoring 10 runs.
 
The first five batter reached base to start the rally inning. Kara Grogan hit a two-run single with the bases loaded before an out was recorded. With two outs, Autumn Passarello was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to bring home Grogan. Guinto followed with a two-run single to score Zina Naughton and Kristina Del Gaiso. Schneider capped the scoring with her homerun, bringing home Passarello and Guinto.
 
In game two, Alvernia started like it did in game one with two runs in the first inning. The Crusaders added a run in the third and another in the fourth.
 
Jen Sieminski went 4.0 innings and took the loss. She struck out four before the game was called due to darkness.
 
Neumann (6-8) gets back into conference action tomorrow with a doubleheader at Rosemont. First pitch is slated for 3:00 PM.