SALEM, VA. (March 21, 2010) – The Kutztown University softball team concluded its perfect   weekend trip to the mountains of southwestern Virginia with a flourish.

Resembling a soda that was opened after being shook, the Golden Bears exploded for an 11-4 victory over Wheeling-Jesuit in the final game of the 2010 Salem Invitational Sunday afternoon. The offense detonated and produced a deluge of runs.

Kutztown defeated West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) schools Alderson-Broaddus, Seton Hill, Fairmont State, Charleston and Wheeling-Jesuit.

Fueled by the combustible bat of Nicole Henninger, who blasted two home runs and drove in five runs, the Golden Bears scored their most runs since returning from Florida. After playing five straight games decided by one run, the Golden Bears finally enjoyed a breather. Overall, Kutztown slammed three home runs.

Kutztown scored eight runs in the third inning to take control and make a winner of pitcher of Katlin Arbogast, who finished with six strikeouts in 5.2 innings.

Henninger got the scoring started when she hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the third inning. The Cardinals scored four runs in the top of the second inning to grab a 4-3 lead. Thankfully for the Golden Bears, Henninger came to the plate again with a Nicole Colineri on second base. Henninger gave Kutztown the lead for good, 5-4, when she blasted a home run to straightaway center field.

Kutztown's offense was just getting warmed up. Brianna Knipe singled, Michelle McGinty singled and Krista Tedjeske walked to load the bases. Two batters later, Sarah Couch came through with a two-run pinch-hit single that scored Knipe and Tedjeske that extended KU's lead to 7-4. Maria Schiavo followed with a RBI single that upped the Golden Bears' advantage to 8-4. Nicole Charles concluded the inning with a three-run pinch-hit home run.

McGinty also had a double during the victory over the Cardinals. The Golden Bears collected 10 hits.

Kutztown returns to action Tuesday afternoon when it visits Millersville in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division game beginning at 2:30 p.m.

--KU--