Scranton, PA - Needing a win to keep PAC playoff hopes alive, Marywood opened Saturday's PAC doubleheader with Centenary with an 8-3 win but could not sweep action as the Cyclones rallied for a 5-2 win in the nightcap. Marywood moves to 14-14 (4-9 PAC) with the split while Centenary goes to 8-14 (2-8).
In the opener, Marywood broke open a 3-2 game with three runs in teh fourth and two more in the fifth to take a commanding 8-2 lead. That five-run cushion would be all the arm of starting pitcher Nikki Belles (Rome, PA) would need as Belles cruised to a complete-game win. Belles, now 7-1 on the year, allowed two earned runs on eight hits while striking out three in the win. Erika Cook (Wyalusing, PA) went 3-3 with a homer, two doubles, four RBI and two runs scored in the win. Brittany Davis (Scranton, PA) also homered for the Pacers in the opener as part of her 2-4, two-RBI performance at the plate.
Sarah Olsen (Hopatcong, NJ) took the loss for the Cyclones in the opener after allowing six runs (five earned) over four innings of work. The freshman hurler struck out four ont he day while allowing seven hits. She was replaced by Gerriann LaGuardia (Edison, NJ) in the fifth, who closed the game with two strikeouts over the final two innings. Heather Rottner (Ridgefield Park, NJ) was 2-3 with an RBI, while Jolyn Veres (Denville, NJ) was 2-4 with two doubles.
In the nightcap, Marywood led 2-0 through three but Centenary would tie things up with runs in the fourth and sixth. Both runs came with runners reaching due to hit-batsman. The Cyclones then plated three runs in the top of the seventh for the 5-2 win. Kristin Durborow (Manahawkin, NJ) had a standout-game on the mound for Centenary, getting the complete-game win after allowing just three hits. The freshman struck out six Pacers on the day. Jenna Wendolowski (Jersey City, NJ) was 3-5 with a triple, while Michelle Henderson (Lakewood, NJ) was 2-4 with a double and an RBI.
Mallory Gable (Hughestown, PA) took the loss on the mound for Marywood. Gable allowed just two earned runs and struck out five, but had two wild pitches and two hit batsman on the day. Lauren Bianchetti (Highland Mills, NY) went 2-3 thie a double for Marywood while Caitlin Hadzimichalis (Harmony, NJ) was 1-3 with a double and a run scored.
Marywood returns to action Friday when the Pacers travel to Allentown for a key PAC doubleheader with Cedar Crest College. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 pm.
