BARTOW, Fla. — The Golden Eagles (4-2) showcased their talent in two games on Saturday, achieving a commanding 9-2 victory over Queens (0-1) before narrowly falling to Glenville State (9-3) in a thrilling 6-5 contest.
Clarion 9, Queens 2
RECAP: In the first game against Queens, the pivotal moment came in the fourth inning when Clarion's bats erupted for four runs, setting the stage for their dominant performance. The Knights jumped out to an early lead in the first inning, thanks to Olivia Wanser's single that sent Allie Parascandola and Kadie Cain across the plate. However, the Golden Eagles swiftly turned the tide in the fourth. With Sabi Medrano delivering a crucial two-RBI single to right field, Clarion's offense caught fire, racking up four runs to seize a 6-2 advantage.
The Golden Eagles kept the momentum going in the fifth inning with a savvy mix of small ball and clutch hitting. Brooke Dobson's sacrifice bunt moved runners into scoring territory, paving the way for Alexis Valencia and Jordy Best to bring in runs via a fielder's choice and a stolen base. Buchleitner's groundout added another RBI, cementing Clarion's lead. Meanwhile, the defense stood firm, shutting down the Knights and sealing the win.
Rian Reed was stellar in the circle, pitching a complete game for Clarion. Over 7 innings, Reed allowed just 7 hits and 2 earned runs, while striking out 7 and issuing 4 walks. The freshman faced 32 batters, effectively blanking Queens College over the final six innings and clinching the victory for the Golden Eagles. Sabi Medrano shone with three hits and three RBIs. Alexis Valencia added two hits, two runs, and an RBI to the mix. Delanie Davison contributed two hits, including a double, and scored a run, rounding out a strong team effort.
Glenville State 6, Clarion 5
RECAP: In the second game against Glenville State, the Golden Eagles fought hard but fell short in a nail-biter. They showcased their batting prowess with 15 hits, including two doubles and a triple, but Glenville State snatched the win with a pivotal two-run seventh inning. Glenville State clinched the victory in the bottom of the seventh with game-changing plays, including Lillian Burn's sacrifice fly bringing home the tying run, followed by Zailees Seda's RBI double down the left-field line, scoring the game-winner.
Earlier in the game, the Golden Eagles had claimed the lead in the fourth inning. Sophie Petrash kicked things off with a leadoff triple, setting the stage for Sabi Medrano's clutch two-RBI single that brought in Petrash and Buchleitner, who had reached base via a hit by pitch. This rally gave the Golden Eagles a 5-3 advantage they held through the middle innings.
In a tense final inning, the Golden Eagles loaded the bases but couldn't capitalize. Earlier highlights included Emma Hipps's RBI single in the second, underscoring the team's offensive potential, though it wasn't enough to counter the Pioneers' late comeback.
Perdicaris took the mound for 6 1/3 innings, giving up nine hits and six runs, five earned. She issued seven walks and struck out two batters, facing 36 batters and recording 10 flyouts and seven groundouts. Despite the setback, Perdicaris skillfully navigated several innings with runners on base, limiting Glenville State to just three doubles and one wild pitch.
Offensively, Sophie Petrash led the charge with three hits, including a triple, and an RBI. Amber Gilliam matched her performance with three hits and added an RBI to the effort. Sabi Medrano drove in two crucial runs, proving her ability to deliver in key moments. Alexis Valencia chipped in with two hits and a stolen base, maintaining a steady presence at the top of the lineup.
