KUTZTOWN, Pa. – The top-seeded Kutztown University softball team had its 2021 season come to an end in a 6-2 defeat to Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference foe East Stroudsburg University on Friday in the NCAA Atlantic Regional Tournament at North Campus Field.
The Golden Bears finish their 2021 season at 33-15 overall and went 1-2 in NCAAs, losing to West Liberty 5-2, followed by a 2-0 victory over Shepherd on Thursday.
The KU offense once again had a tough day. Scoring just two runs in each of its two games yesterday, KU also scored twice against the Warriors (29-14) and was outhit 12-6.
East Stroudsburg had a four-run, top of the first inning where its first five batters reached base safely on singles. The four-run frame proved to be all it needed in this one. Kutztown did not record its first hit until the bottom of the fifth inning on a
Sarah Harvey (Swanton, Vt./Missisquoi Valley Union) single up the middle. But Harvey, who came on in relief of starter
Amber Brugger (Levittown, Pa./Neshaminy) inside the circle, was stranded on first.
The Warriors added another run in the top of the sixth inning via an RBI single by Lexi Wright. ESU went ahead 5-0.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Maroon and Gold finally got something going.
Kate Ostaszewski (Philadelphia, Pa./Archbishop Ryan) led off the frame with a double to right center and then came around following a double to center field in the next at-bat by
Hannah Auvil (Baltimore, Md./Sparrows Point). Auvil then touched home plate the ensuing batter as
Brianna Hughes (Hatboro, Pa./Upper Moreland) recorded a run-scoring single and KU found itself trailing 5-2 after six.
East Stroudsburg answered with another run in the top of the seventh to go up 6-2. Kutztown threatened with two outs as
Gillian Walsh (Easton, Pa./Easton) singled and then Ostaszewski ripped another double, this time to left field. But ESU closer Leigh Ann Jenkins got the final out for the save.
Kutztown and head coach
Judy Lawes will welcome back a majority of its roster next season, including several seniors on this year's roster.
