Saint Elizabeth Eliminates #1 Cedar Crest in Extra Innings to Keep Season Alive
Story Re-Posted Courtesy of Saint Elizabeth University Athlteics - Original Here
Saint Elizabeth University Softball advanced to Day 2 of the 2023 CSAC Tournament by defeating #1 seed and tourney host Cedar Crest College, 5-3, in 8 innings. This is the first time in program history that a team has advanced to the second day of tournament play.
After dropping their earlier game against #2 Rosemont, the Eagles finished Friday's action with a 1-1 record, and will face #4 Wilson College, who finished with the same record after defeating Cedar Crest and losing to Rosemont. The winner of tomorrow's game will earn a matchup with Rosemont in the Championship game.
The Eagles jumped out to an early 2-0 lead courtesy of
Aimee Vega (1-4 RBI 2B) and
Isabell Edwards (2-4 2 RBI) each knocking in a run.
Cedar Crest responded with their first run of the game off of a wild pitch by
Kaitlynne McCarthy.
Katerra Lutes (1-3 RBI 2B) doubled in the top of the 5th inning to restore the Eagles two run lead.
In the bottom of the 7th, Cedar Crest tied the game
via an Eagle error after pushing across a run on the previous play.
In the top of the 8th inning, with a runner on second, Edwards singled up the middle to give the Eagles the lead, which they would not relinquish. With two runners on, winning pitcher
Kami DeGaetani singled to right center to score and pushed the lead back to two.
DeGaetani was replaced by McCarthy in the circle in the home half of the 8th to close for the Eagles. After walking the first batter, a sacrifice bunt by the Falcons put runners in scoring position with 1 out. A pop up to 2B
Julia Stewart (2-3) gave the Eagles their second out. A hit batter then loaded the bases and putting the winning run on first base. With the whole park on the edge of their seats, McCarthy struck out the last batter, sending the Eagles on to Day 2 in style.