GREENVILLE, PA. (April 1, 2010) – The Thiel College softball team split their doubleheader to the Westminster College Titans on Thursday, winning, 4-3, in game one and losing, 1-2, in game two.

Through the first four innings of play, the Tomcats held a 3-1 lead on the strength of a lights out performance from the mound by junior pitcher, Emily Batiz (Leechburg, Pa./Leechburg Area).  The visiting Titans managed to breakthrough in the fifth inning, however, when Ashley Beltz stroked a two-run double to the outfield fence, tying the game at three runs apiece.

The stalemate held over the next inning and a half, until perennial all-PAC performer, Melissa Rankin (Scenery Hill, Pa./Bentworth), knocked a clutch RBI triple to right center, sealing the game for the Tomcats.

Batiz picked up the complete game victory, striking out seven Titans, while giving up two earned runs on five hits.

Stephanie Smith (Pittsburgh, PA/North Allegheny) led the way offensively for the Tomcats, going 3-for-3 with a double, while tallying three RBIs.  Laura Davin (Bethel Park, Pa./Bethel Park) finished the game 2-for-4 with a pair of runs scored, while Rankin contributed two hits and an RBI.

Game two saw the Titans strike first with a run in the opening inning of play, earning a lead that they wouldn't relinquish until a wild pitch brought Karen Wolfe (Troy, Pa./Troy) home in the top of the fifth.  The Westminster women gained the lead back in the bottom of the sixth inning, off a RBI single by Sarah Woodward.

The Tomcats would not be able to answer back, however, dropping game two, 1-2.

Kristen Moreland (Dover, Ohio/Dover) went six complete innings in the losing effort, allowing two earned runs on eight hits, while striking out five.

The Tomcat softball team returns to action, Tuesday, April 6 when they head to Crestview Hills, Ky. to face the Thomas More Saints in a 3 p.m. doubleheader.