BOXSCORE 1

BOXSCORE 2

PEMBROKE, NC. (February 4, 2012)—The Kutztown University softball team exploded on offense and defeated the University of North Carolina-Pembroke 5-2 and 9-1 in a doubleheader at LRA Field, Saturday afternoon.

The Golden Bears (3-0 overall) used efforts from everyone but their big hits in the fifth inning opened the game up. With the Golden Bears leading 2-1, Jackie Hetzler (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township) led off with a walk and advanced to second off Maria Isgro (Galloway, NJ/Absegami)'s groundout to shortstop.  Senior Heather Hannum (Horsham, PA/Hatboro-Horsham) scored Hetzler with a single up the middle, to give KU the 3-1 advantage. Brianna Knipe (Bethlehem, PA/Liberty) belted a homer over left field, pushing the game to 5-1.

The Braves (0-3 overall) tried to spark up some hits in the bottom of the seventh inning. With one out Brea Hartley doubled to left field and then advanced to third on a fielder's choice. Pembroke rallied on two outs after Wilson hit a double to score Hartley to slice KU's lead to 5-2.

Kutztown jumped to an early 1-0 lead in the first inning. Elizabeth Kangas (Douglassville, PA/Daniel Boone) and Hetzler got things going with back-to-back singles. With one out and runners on second and third, Maria Isgro (Galloway, NJ/Absegami) used a sacrifice fly to centerfield to score Kangas.

In the top of the second inning, senior Kelly Fitzgerald (Upper Darby, PA/Archbishop Prendergast) led off with a solo homerun over centerfield, to put KU up 2-0. Pembroke responded in the third inning with Ashely Harrell leading off with a single and eventually scoring on a Kutztown error.

Hetzler was 2-for-3 with a run scored, followed by Fitzgerald who went 2-for-3 with a RBI and run. Hannum also recored a run, hit, and RBI.

Freshman Mary Kociencki (Columbia, N.J./Sparta ) recorded her first career win in the maroon and gold. Kociencki pitched the entire game and struck out one batter. Natalie Klemann took the loss for the Braves and recorded three strikeouts.

The Golden Bears kept their batting rolling in the second game as they scored five runs off five hits in the first inning, all on two outs. 

KU came back in the second inning and scored a run after freshman Kelly Strittmatter (Wyckoff, NJ/Indian Hills) led off with a double and scored off a Pembroke throwing error.

Pembroke got on the board in the third inning but still trailed 6-1. The Golden Bears closed the game in the fifth inning with three runs and three hits.

Hetzler was 3-for-3 at the plate with a run, while Hannum went 2-for-3 with a RBI and run. Samantha Derr (Lititz, PA/Warwick) was 2-for-4 with four RBIs. Knipe was 1-for-3 with a run and RBI.

Freshman pitcher Tori Marcavage (Collegeville, PA/Perkiomen Valley) also recorded her first career win. She tallied two strikeouts. Starr Gilley took the loss for the Braves.

“I was pleased with how both of our freshmen pitched,” Kutztown University head coach Judy Lawes said. “Both were solid and defensively we played well against a quality opponent. UNC-P is a very good team so to play well defensively and offensively was key. To go on the road and pick up three wins is a great start. We will continue to work hard and stay focused on improving with every opportunity.”

Kutztown returns to action on Sunday, Feb. 5 for a doubleheader against Mt. Olive at Nancy Chapman Cassell Field in My. Olive, NC beginning at 1 p.m.