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Tournament Stats QUAKERTOWN, Pa. – The Kutztown University softball team's chance at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championship title came to a close Thursday evening, as the Golden Bears were downed by Indiana University (PA) at Veterans Park, 4-0.
Kutztown (30-18), the third seed out of the East Division, and Indiana (PA) (19-23), the fourth seed out of the West Division, each dropped their opening games Thursday morning to match up in the consolation bracket. The Crimson Hawks jumped out to an early lead and were able to keep the Golden Bears off the scoreboard.
IUP led off with singles in the first two innings, then capitalized on the quick start to go up 2-0 heading into the third.
In the top of the fourth, Kutztown appeared to be moving through the IUP batters with two consecutive ground outs. However, the Crimson Hawks strung together three-straight singles to load the bases and force KU into a jam. A Kutztown error from the infield proved detrimental, as Indiana (PA) plated its final two runs on the miscue.
Savannah Nierintz had a busy day in the circle for KU, tossing 101 pitches in a complete-game effort. She registered five strikeouts and two of the four runs scored against were earned.
The Golden Bears scattered their eight hits throughout six of the seven innings, but were unable to put on the finishing touches to light up the scoreboard.
Lead-off batter
Blayse Cholish commanded the way with a 3-for-4 performance at the plate, while
Sam Fraser batted 2-for-3 and her seventh-inning double marked KU's only extra-base hit of the game.
Danielle Amato,
Colleen Smith, and
Bridget Newman all notched a single.
IUP's Alexa Campbell earned the win in the circle with a complete game. Notably, Kutztown didn't have any strikeouts.
Hannah Mercer led off for the Crimson Hawks with two hits, and had an even better day in the field at third base. Taylor Mercurio notched two hits and Amy Fariman batted 3-for-3.
The Golden Bears now wait to hear if their season continues on in the NCAA Tournament. The NCAA selections will be announced on Monday, May 4 at 10 a.m. Eastern time on www.ncaa.com.
