QUAKERTOWN, Pa. (April 30) – The California (PA) softball team rallied from a five-run deficit with nine-unanswered runs, highlighted a six-run sixth inning, to claim a 9-8 victory over Gannon in an elimination game on Wednesday evening in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Tournament at Veteran's Park.

With the win, the Vulcans improve to 18-32 this season and will play an elimination game versus IUP tomorrow, Thursday, May 1, at 12:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights close the spring with a 29-19 overall record after finishing the season tied for second in the PSAC West standings.

Senior right fielder Mikayla Linkous tallied three hits, one RBI and two runs scored in the victory. Junior shortstop Jenna Hollerich collected two hits, two RBI and two runs scored, while freshman third baseman Makayla Jerin and senior second baseman Kaitlyn Achtermeier both added two hits. Achtermeier is now tied for second in single-season school history with 17 doubles, the most since the 2009 campaign.

Gannon took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first on a two-run homer by left fielder Abbey Girman with two outs. The Golden Knights added three runs in the second inning with shortstop Alaina Whipkey sparking the rally with a two-out solo homer, 5-0. Cal countered with a two-out RBI single by junior first baseman Makaylia Schlosser in the third inning.

The Vulcans scored a pair of runs in the fourth to cut the deficit to a 5-3 margin. Achtermeier started the inning with a double and later scored on a bunt. Linkous followed with a two-out RBI single through the right side. Cal claimed its first lead of the game in the top of the sixth by scoring six runs on seven hits, 9-5. Following back-to-back singles to start the inning, Hollerich delivered a two-run double before junior catcher Bailee Bertani followed with an RBI double. Senior center Brianna Sersevic later added an RBI single before Jerin collected a two-out RBI double to center field.

Gannon quickly answered with three runs in the bottom of the sixth with three-consecutive RBI singles with two outs. The Golden Knights opened the seventh inning with a walk and advanced the game-tying run into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt. The runner was forced to stay at second following a comebacker to the circle before the game ended with a deep fly-out to center field.

Senior Taylor Babcock (9-9) earned the win after allowing three runs (all earned) on five hits and three walks in 3.2 innings of relief (72 pitches). She is tied for sixth in single-season school history with 34 appearances, which are the most in a decade. Gannon starting pitcher Maggie Lenda (9-9) suffered the loss after surrendering seven runs (all earned) on 11 hits in 5.0-plus innings (74 pitches).

The Vulcans have won an elimination game decided by one run against the Golden Knights in the PSAC Tournament in back-to-back years. However, Gannon has won seven of the eight meetings in the regular season against Cal over the last two seasons.

Cal and IUP met in the PSAC Tournament in five-consecutive seasons from 2014-18.