CALIFORNIA (April 12) – The Vulcans recorded two victories in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West action against Clarion on Sunday afternoon at Lilley Field with an 8-0 run-rule victory in Game 1, highlighted by a no-hitter by junior pitcher Alex Sagl (Oakville, Ontario/Oakville Trafalgar), and a 4-3 comeback win in Game 2.

With the sweep, Cal U improves to 16-5 overall behind a 10-1 league record. Meanwhile, Clarion falls to 3-17 this season with a 2-12 record in PSAC action.

In Game 1, both teams were held scoreless in the opening two innings. The Vulcans struck in the bottom of the third when junior third baseman Natalya Smarra (McKees Rocks, Pa./Sto-Rox) scored from third on a misplayed flyball in center field. The Cal U offense erupted in the fourth inning starting with a solo homer down the right-field line by junior first baseman Lindsey Reicoff (Pittsburgh, Pa./Chartiers Valley). Freshman designated player Hailey Wilson (Delaware, Ohio/Olentangy), sophomore right fielder Kaity Finley (Latrobe, Pa./Greater Latrobe) and freshman left fielder Jacquelyn Fowler (Grove City, Ohio/Central Crossing) each recorded RBI singles to extend the lead to 5-0. Later in the fourth, freshman shortstop Emily Price (Warren, Ohio/Howland) belted a three-run homer to center field to give the Vulcans a 8-0 lead after four innings. In the top of the fifth, Sagl retired the Clarion in order to force the run-rule and give Cal U the victory.

Sagl (8-2) recorded her first no-hitter of the season, as she struck out nine, walked none and only allowed one baserunner, who reached on a fielding error. Clarion starter Paige Baker (2-4) was handed the loss after allowing eight runs (seven earned) one nine hits.

Price finished the game going 2-3 with three RBI, while Fowler recorded a pair of RBI.

In Game 2, the Vulcans scored in the bottom of the second inning when Smarra roped a single through the left side that scored sophomore catcher Megan Jahoda (Buchanan, N.Y./Hendrick Hudson), who reached on a throwing error. Clarion answered in the top of the third by tying the game on a throwing error to first base. Junior pitcher Meghan Uher (Acme, Pa./Connellsville) struck out the next two batters to end the inning and forced the Golden Eagles to strand runners at second and third. Senior centerfielder Shelby Heyd (Innisfil, Ontario/Nantyr Shores Secondary) put the Vulcans back out in front, 2-1, in the bottom half of the inning on an RBI single to left field.

In the sixth inning, Clarion claimed a 3-2 lead following a two-run home run by right fielder Lydia Middaugh. Sagl then replaced Uher in the circle and registered a strikeout to close out the sixth. Junior second baseman Erica Vallecorsa (Latham, N.Y./Shaker) tied the game at 3-3 in the bottom half with a sacrifice fly to center field before the Vulcans retook the lead on an RBI double to right field by Smarra, 4-3. Clarion was held scoreless in the seventh after leaving a runner at first base.

Sophomore starter Kaity Davis (Massillon, Ohio/Jackson) allowed one run (earned) on four hits in 2.1 innings before being replaced by Uher in the third. Uher tossed 3.1 innings and allowed two hits, while striking out five. Sagl earned the victory (9-2) in Game 2 after yielding one hits in 1.1 innings with three strikeouts. Clarion pitcher Shawnna Crago (0-9) was tagged with the loss after working 4.1 innings of relief, scattering four hits and allowing three runs (one earned).

Finley led the Vulcans with three hits in the contest, while Smarra recorded two hits and two RBI.

The Vulcans are scheduled to return to action on Tuesday, April 14, when they travel to Greensburg, Pennsylvania, to face Seton Hill in a doubleheader slated for 2:30 p.m.