INDIANA, Pa. — Clarion faced a tough challenge against IUP in a PSAC doubleheader on Friday, suffering defeats in both games with scores of 11-1 and 11-0.
Game 1: IUP 11, Clarion 1
In the first game, Clarion fell to IUP by an 11-1 score at Ruth Podbielski Field. The Golden Eagles managed six hits but struggled to contain the Crimson Hawks' 15-hit offensive surge. IUP broke the game open in the seventh inning, scoring five runs to solidify its lead. The inning began with Jaycee Haidze's solo home run, followed by a two-RBI double from Reagan Rand. An RBI bunt single by Sydni Hoobler and a subsequent RBI single by Madison Pikula further extended IUP's advantage to 11–1.
Clarion's key opportunity came in the fourth inning when it capitalized on an error to score its only run.
Jordy Best singled and advanced on
Amber Gilliam's hit, setting up
Emma Hipps to reach on a fielder's choice and drive in Best. Despite having runners on base earlier, the Golden Eagles were unable to convert these pressure situations into additional runs.
Emma Hipps started for the Golden Eagles, pitching 4.0 innings and allowing two earned runs on six hits while striking out one batter without issuing a walk. Hipps threw a total of 58 pitches, with 40 recorded as strikes.
Jordy Best scored one run and added a hit in the game, while
Alexis Valencia recorded one hit and one stolen base.
Game 2: IUP 11, Clarion 0 (5 inn.)
In the second game, the Golden Eagles dropped the contest to IUP by a final score of 11-0 in five innings. IUP took control early with a decisive first inning, scoring seven runs. The inning featured key hits, including a double by Jaycee Haidze that drove in a run and a single by Madison Pikula that brought in two more. A combination of walks, a wild pitch, and a hit by pitch extended the inning, allowing the Crimson Hawks to build a significant lead.
The Golden Eagles struggled to respond offensively, managing only two hits throughout the game.
Sami Springman and
Malina Serrano each contributed a single, but the Golden Eagles were unable to capitalize on these opportunities.
Ainsley Perdicaris pitched 4.2 innings, striking out two batters, despite allowing six earned runs.
