STEUBENVILLE, Ohio -- The Thiel College softball team split 1-1 at Franciscan with a first game 5-3 loss and second game 8-4 win Wednesday evening.
The Blue and Gold remains at .500 with a 7-7 overall record to begin conference play at 1-1.
Game 1: Thiel 3, Franciscan 5
Down 5-1 in the fifth, The Tomcats started a short two-out rally but ultimately came up short.
Kylie Heid (Monaca, Pa./Central Valley) started the inning with a double who was later thrown out in a double play.
Kayley Risser (Reynoldsville, Pa./Dubois Central Catholic) was brought around the bases with a two-run home run by
Mackenzie Herman (Greenville, Pa./Reynolds) to collect her second of the year.
The Barons knocked two single run home runs in the bottom of the second and Third frames to take the 5-1 lead.
Six hits from Franciscan and a Thiel error in the bottom of the first gave the Barons their advantage to take the early start.
The Blue and Gold struck first as
Madison Hufford (Cortland, Ohio/Mathews) reached on a fielder's choice to home and a run home from Risser.
In the circle,
Alaina Fedder (Clearfield, Pa./Clearfield Area) pitched a full six innings with two strikeouts and 30 batters faced.
Herman led the team with two hits, including her home run where she had two RBI's.
Risser, Heid,
Ava Gilmore (West Middlesex, Pa./West Middlesex Area) and Mackenna Oswalt each had a hit, Heid with a double.
Game 2: Thiel 8, Franciscan 4
Thiel took over in the second half of the game as five Tomcat runs secured them the 8-4 win after being down 3-2.
Julia Schimizzi (Willowick, Ohio/Willoughby South) pitch ran for Hufford and was brought home off a wild pitch in the seventh. In the six frame, Lily Merolillio and
Sheila Despenes (Townville, Pa./Maplewood) rounded the bases with a two RBI triple from Risser.
The Blue and Gold raked back to back single run home runs from Heid and Gilmore in the fifth.
In their first at bat, Franciscan's lead off scored off a grounder to the left side.
Herman took home the victory on the mound after pitching all seven innings and throwing two strikeouts.
Gilmore and Merolillio each had three hits as Gilmore notched her first career triple and home run.
Thiel is back in action on Thursday, Mar. 26 as they host Grove City for their home opener at 2 and 4 p.m.
