BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — The Clarion softball team fell to Shepherd on a drizzly opening day of the PSAC Softball Tournament, dropping the game by a final score of 8–0 at Grand Slam Park. The Rams ran up four runs in the first inning and eventually put the game away in the fifth inning.
Clarion will player the loser of Slippery Rock and East Stroudsburg on Thursday, May 7 at 10 a.m.
Shepherd seized control in the first inning, scoring four runs with the help of a key double by Hailey Putnam and multiple wild pitches. McAllister's initial single and stolen base set the stage, while a throwing error allowed the first run to cross. Clarion conceded two more runs on wild pitches, allowing the Rams to take a commanding 4–0 lead.
The Golden Eagles' best opportunity against Shepherd ace and reigning PSAC East Pitcher of the Year Madelayne Ruffner came in the third inning when Sophie Petrash singled and advanced to second when a throwing error by the catcher allowed her to take the bag.
Alexis Valencia reached on an infield single, and
Emily Buchleitner was hit by a pitch to load the bases with two outs. However, the chance slipped away as
Sabi Medrano struck out, leaving the bases loaded. Shepherd continued to extend its lead, with Brenna Collis homering in the third and Haylee Hartman adding a two-run homer in the fourth, ultimately sealing the outcome.
In the top of the fourth,
Jordy Best hit a one-out single and advanced to second, but she too was stranded on the basepaths.
Emma Hipps pitched 3.2 innings, allowing five hits and seven runs, five of which were earned. Hipps threw, with 40 of those being strikes.
Ainsley Perdicaris entered the game in relief, pitching 0.2 innings and surrendering two hits and one earned run without issuing any walks.
