Cedar Crest College Athletics

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The No. 9 seed Cedar Crest College softball team edged eighth-seeded Notre Dame of Maryland University (11-19) with a 2–1 victory in the First Round of the United East Conference Championship Tournament on Wednesday at Weinberg-Fine Stadium.

The Falcons secured the win with a decisive two-run sixth inning, capitalizing on a double and a triple. Despite allowing eight hits, the Falcons' pitching staff held the Gators to a single run, which was scored in the third inning.

NDMU took an early lead in the third inning. Senior Scarlett Miller (Baltimore, Md.) scored on a throw after a bunt single, giving the Gators a 1–0 advantage at the end of the third frame.

Cedar Crest turned the tide in the sixth inning. Junior Brooke Trentler (Whiteford, Md./North Harford) was hit by a pitch, and sophomore Jane Armbruster (Catasauqua, Pa./Catasauqua) came in as a pinch runner. Senior Natalie Hasert (Vernon, N.J./Vernon Township) then tripled to left field, allowing Armbruster to score and tie the game. Sophomore Madison Nadasi (Bushkill, Pa./East Stroudsburg North) followed with a single to center field, bringing Hasert home and putting the Falcons ahead, 2-1. Cedar Crest held the Gators scoreless in the seventh inning, holding on for a 2–1 victory.

For the Falcons, Hasert contributed significantly with a triple, driving in one run and scoring another. Sophomore Erin Gray (Pennsburg, Pa./Upper Perkiomen) pitched a complete game, allowing one earned run on eight hits while striking out four batters, securing her 12th win of the season. First-year Madacyn Snyder (Wind Gap, Pa./Pen Argyl) added one hit and stole a base to aid the team's offensive efforts.

For Notre Dame of Maryland, junior Malorie Gogel (Baltimore, Md.) also pitched a complete game, but she took the loss after giving up four hits and two earned runs over seven innings while striking out five batters.

Sophomore Claire Smith (Manchester, Md.) delivered a standout performance for the Gators, collecting three hits in her only game. First-year Annabelle Shumski (Dorothy, N.J.) also made a significant contribution with two hits and a strikeout, showcasing her effectiveness at the plate. Miller contributed by scoring a run, adding depth to the team's offensive efforts.

Cedar Crest (17-20 overall) advances to Second Round of the United East Conference Championship Tournament and will face top-seeded Penn State Brandywine in a best-of-three series beginning with a doubleheader on Friday, May 1 at 12:00 and 2:00 p.m.