April 18, 2008

CLARION - The Clarion University softball team was swept in a PSAC-West doubleheader by visiting California Friday afternoon.

The Golden Eagles lost Game One 7-1 and Game Two 5-3.

In the second game, Clarion (3-22 overall, 0-14 PSAC-West) took a 3-0 lead at the end of the first inning thanks to a two-run single to right by Dana Johnson and Suzie DeNillo getting hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.

But Cal (24-10, 10-4) got a run back in the third and then scored four times in the fifth to get the win.

Johnson led Clarion's offense going 2-for-3 with the two RBIs. Lindsay Vevers took the loss going 4 2/3 innings and allowing five runs, three earned, on six hits and a walk. She struck out one. Caitlin Lamison went the final 2 1/3 innings and didn't allow run while allowing two hits and a walk. She struck out one.

In Game One, Clarion led 1-0 at the end of three innings thanks to an RBI double by Lauren Martino. But Cal tied the game with a run in the fourth and then took the lead with four in the fifth before adding on solo runs in the sixth and seventh for the 7-1 win.

Martino's double was one of just two Clarion hits in the game. Carlie Cook added a single.

Valorie Rankin took the loss going seven innings and allowing seven earned runs on 13 hits. She struck out five and didn't walk a batter.

Clarion returns to action Saturday when it hosts IUP.