The University of Mary Washington softball team split a doubleheader at Penn St.-Harrisburg on Friday afternoon in Harrisburg, Va. UMW won the first game 3-2 in the eighth inning, and then dropped the second game 3-2. The Eagles slip to 14-15-1 overall, and 3-2-1 in the conference.
In the first game, the Nittany Lions took the first lead of the game in the bottom of the second as they scored a run off of a fielder's choice. UMW answered in the top of the third inning as they scored two runs to take a 2-1 lead.
Jamie Purtell led off the inning with a single and then advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Courtney Shea. Caroline Callahan singled and Purtell reached third base. Danielle Newman then came up and hit a triple to score Callahan and Purtell to put the Eagles on top.
Penn St.-Harrisburg tied the game up in the bottom of the seventh as they scored a run off of a single. UMW recorded the game-winning run in the eighth inning as Newman came around to score.
Newman led off the inning as she reach on an error. Morgan Mumford singled to put Newman on second. Malia Rogers advanced the runners to second and third base, then Kassie Bender came up and delivered the game-winning hit to bring home Newman. Kara Deppe shutout the Lions in the eighth inning and helped the Eagles win 3-2.
Deppe threw eight innings, allowed two earned runs, and struck out six on her way to a conference-leading 12th win. She also collected a double at the plate.
In the second game, UMW took the lead first as they scored a run in the third inning. Callahan got the inning started as she singled and stole second base. Newman singled to put Callahan at third base, and Rogers hit a sacrifice fly to center field that brought home Newman for a 1-0 lead.
Penn St.-Harrisburg scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to take the lead 3-1. In the seventh inning, UMW rallied to score a run. Hannah Bruns singled to lead off the inning and advanced to second on a ground ball. Rogers doubled home Bruns to bring the Eagles within one, 3-2. UMW's rally fell just short as they lined out to shortstop for the last out.
Newman went 3-4 in the game and Rogers delivered two RBI's for the Eagles. Jenna Calvitti threw a strong 5.1 innings and struck out one batter.
UMW will be back in action on Saturday as they will travel to York (Pa.) for a doubleheader that will begin at 1 p.m.