ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The Cedar Crest College softball team defeated Cairn University by a final score of 3-1 in a United East Conference contest at Cynthia L. Blaschak Field on Thursday afternoon.

The Falcons jumped out in front in the first inning on a solo home run to left field by junior Laney Ferraro (Philadelphia, Pa./New Foundations Charter) to give Cedar Crest the early 1-0 lead.

The Highlanders plated the equalizer in the second inning on an RBI double to right center from the bat of junior Abby McIntyre (Galloway, N.J.). The two-bagger brought home classmate Sydney Wright (Souderton, Pa.) to knot the score at 1-1.

The Falcons re-gained the advantage with a two-spot in the fifth. Junior Natalie Hasert (Vernon, N.J./Vernon Township) delivered the go-ahead run on a single up the middle, which allowed first-year Jane Armbruster (Catasauqua, Pa./Catasauqua) to cross home. Hasert then came around to score after sophomore Kate Gronkowski (Hanover Township, Pa./Hanover Area Junior Senior) reached on an error to extend the margin to two, 3-1.  

First-year Erin Gray (Pennsburg, Pa./Upper Perkiomen) recorded the victory in the circle, allowing one run on four hits while striking out three and walking one. Classmate Alexis Acevedo (Bethlehem, Pa./Freedom) came on in relief, tossing scoreless innings.
Wright was credited the loss, surrendering three runs (two earned) on four hits, fanning five, and allowing just one walk.

Ferraro collected a team-high two hits for Cedar Crest while also registering an RBI and a run scored. Hasert went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Kline recorded a hit and Armbruster scored a run.

Junior Myiah Petroro (Long Island, N.Y.) led Cairn with two hits.

Cedar Crest (18-18 overall, 10-4 United East) concludes the regular season with a home doubleheader against Wilson College on Saturday, April 26 starting at 1:00 p.m. Cairn (2-23 overall, 0-14 United East) will finish the regular season with a twinbill at Rosemont College on Friday, April 25 beginning at 3:00 p.m.