ASTON, Pa. – The Neumann University Softball team fell in both ends of a non-conference doubleheader on Thursday afternoon by scores of 9-4 and 9-2 against Haverford College.
Haverford took the lead in the first inning on a wild pitch and put together five runs in the second. It was a two-run double, an RBI grounder, a run-scoring error, and an RBI single that led to a 6-0 lead. The Fords added add in the third with an RBI double and an RBI grounder.
Neumann didn't lay down as they chipped away at the lead. In the fourth,
Emily Miller plated
Nicole Anderson with an RBI single to centerfield. In the fifth, Ellie Zarnarski hit a two-run triple and
Kayla Naylor laced an RBI single down the right field line to trail 8-4. Haverford scored once more in the seventh on an error for a key insurance run. In the bottom of the inning, the Knights had the tying run on deck but couldn't come back.
Ang Sannicandro suffered the loss in two innings of work.
Lauren Farrier finished up the last five innings, giving up three runs, one earned, on seven hits and a walk, striking out one to give Neumann hope to the finish.
The second game started slower as the first inning went scoreless but Haverford put up two in the second on a wild pitch and an RBI grounder. In the third, Zarnawski singled a 3-2 pitch into centerfield to score Miller. Neumann tied the game the next inning when
Bella Morales scored on an error.
The Fords regained the lead and broke it open in the sixth as they sent 12 batters to the plate. Two doubles resulted in four runs and a couple of RBI singles gave Haverford seven runs in the inning to seal the game.
Coutney McKenna was strong through five innings but gave up some offense in the sixth. She finished with five runs against, four earned, on six hits and two walks.
Miller led the way with two doubles and a 3 for 7 doubleheader with an RBI and a run scored. Zarnawski finished with three runs batted in to go with a triple and a run scored.
Neumann (10-16, 3-3 Atlantic East) will return to Atlantic East Conference play for their next games as they visit Centenary University on Saturday for a doubleheader starting at 12:00 PM.