Heartbreak for Roaring Lions on the Softball Diamond

HOPWOOD – Heartbreak was the name of the day for Fayette's softball team. Penn State Scranton swept the Roaring Lions by scores of 4-3 and 5-3.

In game one, Fayette trailed 4-1 going into the bottom of the seventh inning. With one out, Kaitlyn Novak singled to right and Samantha Anderson was safe on an error.  Jill Guthrie then launched a monster blast to left that struck the outfield fence about a foot below the top – and a potential game-tying home run. In fact, Guthrie was 3-3, with three doubles, all of which struck in almost the identical spot on the outfield fence.

Scranton took a 3-0 first inning lead thank to some sloppy fielding by the Roaring Lions. Marlea Tsongas singled, stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Geri Ellet walked. Amanda Battle's single scored Tsongas. Ellot scored when an errant throw to third went out of play.

Kasey Ruble struck out 11 in a losing effort.  Nicole Cantarella went the distance for the win, working out of a key bases loaded, no out jam in the third.

In game two, Scranton sent nine batters to the plate in the first inning, scoring three.  Fayette answered with three of their own in the bottom of the inning. Ruble started the rally by getting hit by a pitch. She then stole second and third. Novak's single through the left side scored Ruble. Sarah Swaney's single scored Novak. Paige McWilliams' single scored Stephanie Longo and Swaney advanced to third, where she was called out for leaving the base while the ball was in the circle.

The teams stayed tied until the top of the seventh, when a two-base throwing error led to a pair of Scranton runs.

McWilliams took the loss, tossing seven innings, striking out five.

The Roaring Lions return to action on Tuesday when they travel to Penn State McKeesport for a key PSUAC doubleheader.