GREENSBURG, Pa. (April 23) – The Vulcans clinched a berth in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Tournament on Tuesday afternoon with a doubleheader sweep at PSAC West-leading Seton Hill, winning 3-2 in Game 1 before posting a 2-1 victory in Game 2.
RECORDS/SERIES
• The California (PA) softball team improves to 20-17 this season behind a 17-11 mark in divisional action.
• The Griffins fall to 34-12 overall with a 22-6 record against league opponents.
• The Vulcans swept a road doubleheader in the series with the Griffins for the first time since 2016.
GAME 1
STATS
• Junior
Caleigh Rister (12-7) recorded the complete-game victory, allowing two runs (both earned) on nine hits in 7.0 innings (113 pitches) with six strikeouts.
• She also reached base three times (two hits, walk), drove in two runs and scored one run.
• Sophomore right fielder
Mikayla Linkous collected two hits and one run scored, while senior second baseman Jordan Pinnari added two hits.
ACTION
• The Griffins took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second on a pair of singles.
• Cal countered with three runs on three hits and one walk in the third inning.
• Rister delivered a two-run double with runners on second and third before senior designated player
Alyssa Rose followed with an RBI double.
• The Vulcans preserved the 3-1 lead in the bottom half when the inning ended with an out at the plate after an infield single.
• Seton Hill cut the deficit to 3-2 in the fourth inning on a solo homer by second baseman Brooklyn Fukushima.
• Rister forced the Griffins to strand the game-tying run at third base in the bottom of the seventh.
• Seton Hill starting pitcher Lauren Dellett (15-8) suffered the loss after yielding three runs (all earned) on eight hits in 7.0 innings (112 pitches).
GAME 2
STATS
• Rister collected two of the team's three total hits, including a solo homer, and drove in both runs.
• Sophomore
Kailey Larcinese (1-0) was credited with the win after working 3.1 scoreless innings (48 pitches) of relief in her season debut.
• Rose started in the circle and surrendered one run (earned) on three hits and two walks in 3.2 innings (63 pitches).
ACTION
• Rister belted a solo homer, her fourth of the year, in the top of the first.
• The Griffins tied the score in the bottom of the inning with a two-out RBI single.
• Cal stranded a runner at third in the fifth before taking a 2-1 lead in the sixth inning.
• Junior shortstop
Brianna Sersevic started the inning with a single and advanced into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt.
• Rister then delivered a go-ahead RBI single to score Sersevic from second.
• Larcinese retired the Griffins in order in both the sixth and seventh innings on Tuesday.
• Seton Hill starting pitcher Logan Hartman (19-4) was saddled with the loss after allowing two runs (both earned) on three hits and one walk in 7.0 innings (90 pitches).
NEXT
• The Vulcans return to action tomorrow, Wednesday, April 24, when they travel to face IUP for the continuation of their completed contest from March 26.
• Cal will resume play in the top of the fifth inning while maintaining an 8-5 lead.
