ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College softball team had a thrilling doubleheader against Penn State Schuylkill on Thursday night at Blaschak Field, securing a narrow 4-3 victory in the first game before dominating the second with a decisive 15-6 win.

Game One – Cedar Crest 4, Penn State Schuylkill 3

After trailing 3-0 in the first inning, the Falcons rallied with three unanswered runs, highlighted by sophomore Kylie Mastillo's (Moscow, Pa./North Pocono) pivotal RBI in the third inning. Sophomore Erin Gray (Pennsburg, Pa./Upper Perkiomen) held the Lions scoreless over the final six innings, allowing Cedar Crest to secure the win.

Penn State Schuylkill opened strong, scoring three runs in the first inning. Junior Jade Weiss (Pottsville, Pa.) crossed home after reaching third, while junior Emily Brent (Elysburg, Pa.) and sophomore Aryanna Bodge (Pottstown, Pa.) scored following a double by sophomore Nina Wilk (Coal Township, Pa.). The Falcons struggled initially, ending the first inning trailing 3-0.

Cedar Crest began their comeback in the second inning when senior Laney Ferraro (Philadelphia, Pa./New Foundations Charter) walked, stole second, and advanced to third on a passed ball, eventually scoring on a bunt single by first-year Madacyn Snyder (Wind Gap, Pa./Pen Argyl), narrowing the deficit to 3-1.

The Falcons tied the game in the third inning. Senior Natalie Hasert (Vernon, N.J./Vernon Township) singled and scored on sophomore Kaitlyn Stock's (Slatington, Pa./Northern Lehigh) RBI single, with Stock later crossing the plate on Ferraro's single, leveling the score at 3-3.

The winning run came in the fifth inning when Mastillo doubled, stole third, and scored on a wild pitch, giving Cedar Crest a 4-3 lead. The final innings remained scoreless, allowing the Falcons to secure the victory.

Stock was a key contributor for the Falcons, scoring one run and driving in another. Mastillo added a double and a stolen base, scoring once in her three at-bats. Ferraro had one hit, one run, and one RBI, along with a walk and a stolen base. Gray completed a full game, striking out four batters and allowing three earned runs over seven innings.

For Penn State Schuylkill, Bodge took the loss, pitching six innings with seven hits and four earned runs, along with two strikeouts.

Bodge also contributed offensively for the Lions with two hits and one run scored, while Wilk drove in two runs with a double. Weiss recorded two hits and one stolen base.

Game Two – Cedar Crest 15, Penn State Schuylkill 6 (Five Innings)

Cedar Crest's offense exploded for a decisive 15-6 victory in game two, featuring 13 hits, including a grand slam by Mastillo and a seven-run third inning. After both teams scored four runs in the first inning, the Falcons pulled ahead in the second and continued to dominate.

Cedar Crest saw an explosive start as Stock was hit by a pitch, setting up Hasert's single. Sophomore Emily Christopher's (Palmerton, Pa./Palmerton Area) walk loaded the bases, allowing Mastillo to hit a grand slam to tie the game at 4-4.

The Falcons took the lead in the second inning, with Stock once again hit by a pitch and advancing on Hasert's single. A series of plays, including a fielder's choice by Mastillo and a sacrifice fly by sophomore Madison Nadasi (Bushkill, Pa./East Stroudsburg North), led to three runs scored, putting Cedar Crest ahead 7-4.

The third inning was a surge for the Falcons, scoring seven runs. Junior Kate Gronkowski (Hanover Township, Pa./Hanover Area Junior Senior) doubled and later scored on Hasert's single, while Christopher and Mastillo walked with the bases loaded, adding to the score. Nadasi's single brought in two more runs, with sophomore Abby Adams (Suffolk, Va./Lakeland) scoring on a throwing error, ending the inning with a score of 14-5.

In the fourth inning, Hasert scored again on Christopher's ground out. Penn State Schuylkill managed to add one more run, but the game concluded with Cedar Crest securing a 15-6 victory.

Hasert had a standout performance for the Falcons, recording four hits and driving in one run while scoring three times. Mastillo drove in six runs with her home run and scored three times. Christopher also contributed significantly, scoring three runs and bringing in two RBI. Stock reached base three times via hit by pitch and scored twice.

Sophomore Alexis Acevedo (Bethlehem, Pa./Freedom) pitched a complete game for Cedar Crest, going five innings with eight hits and four strikeouts, while allowing six earned runs.

For the Lions, sophomore Chloe Heckman (Bethel, Pa.) took the loss, pitching two innings with seven hits and five earned runs.

Weiss led the opposition, recording two hits and a walk. Bodge drove in one run and reached base twice.

Cedar Crest (6-6 overall) opens United East Conference play with its next games in a home doubleheader against Penn State Harrisburg starting at noon. Penn State Schuylkill (6-6 overall) next hosts Franklin & Marshall College on Saturday beginning at noon.