Bison lose two to top NEAC team

Photo is courtesy of Gallaudet University

READING, Pa. – The Gallaudet University softball team lost both games on the road Sunday against North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) rival Penn St.-Berks 5-0 in the first game and 10-2 in five innings in the second game.

Game 1: Penn St.-Berks 5, Gallaudet 0
The Bison faced a tough match-up against the Nittany Lions, undefeated in NEAC play, in the first game as GU was only able to get three hits during the game. Only four Bison reached base in the complete game, but sophomore Jordan Hogan (Severn, Md.) was the only one to advance past first base.

In the top of the seventh inning, Hogan reached by a Berks error and moved to second when
sophomore Kelsey Hudson (Blissfield, Md.) put the ball in play but was thrown out at first base. Hogan was left on second as the last out of the game was made without a Bison score.

Hogan (3-3) took the loss as she pitched the complete game, allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits, one walk and one strikeout.

Game 2: Penn St.-Berks 10, Gallaudet 2
The Bison (7-11, 1-9 NEAC) entered the second game with little more luck than the first game, Hudson opened the game with a triple, but was unable to score before the end of the inning. GU finally scored two runs in the top of the fourth inning, the first on a bunt from senior Kate Fetzer (Noblesville, Ind.) drove in Hudson to give the Bison their first run of the day, 4-1. Sophomore Alyssa Barlow (Chandler, Ariz.) scored the second Bison run when senior Raquel Grindstaff (New Market, Md.) stepped up to the plate and put the ball and play and reached on an error.
The two runs weren't enough for the Bison to stay in the game as the Nittany Lions (22-3, 12-0 NEAC) scored two more runs in the bottom of the fourth and four runs in the fifth to end the game early due to the eight-run mercy rule. Fetzer (2-6) took the loss as she pitched two innings, allowing four runs on four hits. 

BISON TRACKS

• Six different Bison had all six hits in the combined two games
• Hudson went 1-for-4 and hit a triple in her only at bat in the second game

UP NEXT
The Bison will return home on Tuesday, April 19, to face Wilson College in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) "StrikeOut Cancer" game at 4 p.m. Fans are encouraged to wear pink to the game to show support for cancer awareness.