READING, Pa. - Senior Kristen Mueller recorded four hits and five RBIs while classmate Molly Hoyt had a four hit day as the Stevenson softball team fell short earned a MAC Commonwealth doubleheader split at Alvernia Thursday afternoon at Angelica Park.
The Mustangs (11-17, 5-5 MAC Commonwealth) totaled four runs in the seventh inning of game two before falling short, 7-6 but totaled a combined eight runs over the fifth and sixth innings for a 9-1 six inning victory in game two.
After being retired in order in the opening inning, the Crusaders (10-16, 3-11 MAC Commonwealth) scored back-to-back two-out runs in the second, including an unearned run. The first run was the 65th two-out RBI allowed by Stevenson this season.
Stevenson responded with two runs in the third as the Mustangs recorded three two-out singles, including RBIs by senior Emily Soller and Hoyt. Soller has recorded a hit in nine of her last 10 games and 20 of her 25 games played. Meanwhile, Hoyt has hit in five straight.
Alvernia scored four unearned runs in the fourth inning, all with two outs, to build a 6-2 lead. Two runs scored on a throwing error that would have been the final out of the inning before a two-RBI double to centerfield by Mckenzie Miessau cleared the bases.
Trailing by five in the seventh inning with two outs and runners on first and second, sophomore Kate Finnen and Soller hit back-to-back RBI singles up the middle before Hoyt singled to load the bases.
Sophomore Jasmyn Ogletree brought in two runs with her lone hit of the game to make it a one-run score but Brittany Brown came in for relief to record the final out and earn the save.
Finnen went 3-for-4 while Soller and Mueller were both 2-for-4. It was Finnen's second three-hit game of the season and team leading 10th multi-hit game for Soller.
In the pitching circle, Ogletree scattered seven hits and allowed just two earn runs while striking out three.
The Crusaders scored an early first inning run and were looking for a second on an bases loaded RBI single through the left side but the runner was called out at the plate on the relay throw. The visitors quickly erased the hosts lead with an unearned run in the second inning.
With two outs in the fifth inning and runners on second and third, Mueller cleared the bases with a single to right field before Soller brought Mueller home to make it a three-run game. Junior Naomi Fields capped the inning with a two-RBI double to left field to extend the lead to 6-1.
After sophomore Brooke Steinbach retired the side in order in the bottom of the fifth, Mueller made it an eight-run game with a bases loaded double to left field. Mueller is a perfect 4-for-4 this season when the bases are loaded.
Steinbach sealed the six-inning victory with three straight outs in the bottom of the inning, including back-to-back strikeouts looking to end the game.
Sophomore Sabrina Gordon went 3-for-4 with two runs while Mueller and Hoyt each recorded two hits. Mueller also finished with five RBIs.
Stevenson returns to action on Saturday, April 16 as the Mustangs travel to Arcadia for a MAC Commonwealth doubleheader beginning at 4:00 p.m.
