ASTON, Pa. – The Neumann University Softball team twice defeated the Cyclones from Centenary University in Atlantic East Conference action on Monday afternoon. The final scores were 2-1 and 4-3.
After a scoreless first inning,
Elizabeth Shire hit a double to left-center in the second inning of game one.
Ashlynne Scardino drove her in for the game's first run with an RBI single to right field. In the top of the fifth, Centenary tied the game on an error. In the bottom of the fifth,
Alyssa Celi led off with a double to left.
Christina Ludovico pushed a single down the right field line, scoring Celi to give the Knights the lead right back, and for good.
Shire finished the game 2 for 3 with a double, a stolen base, and a run scored. Scardino pitched a complete game for Neumann to earn the winning, advancing her record to 4-6. In her seven innings, she allowed one unearned run on four hits and three walks, while striking out three.
Game two started quietly as the first three innings went without much offense. Centenary took the lead in the fourth with a two-run single and an RBI single, for a 3-0 advantage.
Taylor Portzline led off the bottom of the inning with an infield hit. Shire followed with a rocket over the left field wall. The two-run homer was her second of the season and it pulled the Knights within one.
Cioni Simmons led off the fifth with a single up the middle and promptly stole second. As
Kristen Pagliaro single, Simmons scored on an error to tie the game. After Pagliaro moved to third on a groundout, Shire drove her in on a grounder to give the Knights the lead, and the sweep.
Emily Ammon and Simmons led the Neumann attack, both going 3 for 4. Ammon added a double and a steal while Simmons stole two bases.
Maddie Tice was 2 for 2 with a walk.
Olivia Ammon had a solid start. In her four innings, she allowed three runs, spreading out eight hits and struck out three.
Ang Sannicandro picked up her first collegiate win, striking out two in three perfect innings.
Neumann (10-19, 4-4 Atlantic East) will be back in action on Thursday when they visit Elizabethtown College in a non-conference doubleheader. First pitch for game one is scheduled for 3:00 PM.