SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Slippery Rock softball team split a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division doubleheader with Seton Hill University on Senior Day Saturday at Kasnevich Field.

After the doubleheader, Slippery Rock sits with a 25-13 record overall and a 19-5 mark in the PSAC West, while Seton Hill goes to 23-20 overall with a 16-8 record in the division standings.

The Rock stay tied with Indiana University (Pa.) atop the PSAC West division standings, although the Crimson Hawks have two games in hand over SRU.

Prior to today's doubleheader, Slippery Rock honored its nine student-athletes that are concluding their collegiate careers at the end of this season.

Slippery Rock was led today by Maddie Cavenaugh and Grace Smith as batters to pick up hits in both games as well as excellent pitching.

Cavenaugh finished 2-for-4 with two runs, four walks and one stolen base, while Smith ended the day 2-for-6 with one run and two doubles.

In the circle, Rachel Baker (14-4), Paige Gresgott (8-4) and Kayla Willliams combined to give up just two runs (one earned) on eight hits and four walks with nine strikeouts.

GAME 1: Slippery Rock 2 – Seton Hill 1
W: Rachel Baker (14-4)
L: Shelby Telegdy (11-8)

Slippery Rock started the scoring in game one with a run in the first inning. Cavenaugh and Jordyn Pelles led off the game with back-to-back walks before Alyssa Sheely singled to load the bases with just one out. Alyssa Massucci then grounded out but brought Cavenaugh in to score.

The Rock added an insurance run in the sixth inning. Smith started the frame with a double and advanced to third on an Olivia Logan groundout. With Smith at third, Sarah Brown picked up an RBI on a groundout to first, giving SRU a 2-0 advantage.

Two runs were all Baker would need to close out game one, 2-0. The freshman pitched her second consecutive shutout after surrendering just four hits and one walk, while striking out four batters. Baker lowered her season ERA to 2.05 with her performance.

At the plate, Sheely went a perfect 3-for-3, while Cavenaugh, Smith, Brown and Addie Deal all picked up one hit. Cavenaugh and Smith grabbed runs as Massucci and Brown earned RBIs. Cavenaugh was also walked three times and stole one base.

Shelby Telegdy was handed the loss in game one after pitching all six innings, giving up two runs on seven hits and four walks with seven strikeouts.

GAME 2: Seton Hill 2 – Slippery Rock 1
W: Lacey Lynn (9-6)
L: Paige Gresgott (8-4)

Slippery Rock again opened the scoring in game two, this time in the third inning.

Cavenaugh drew a two-out walk before she was driven in by Massucci, who hit an RBI triple.

The Griffins scored the final two runs in the game during the fifth and seventh innings.

Offensively, Cavenaugh, Massucci, Smith and Addie Warzala all grabbed one hit, with Cavenaugh scoring the run and Massucci recording the RBI.

In the circle, Gresgott took the loss after pitching six innings and giving up two runs (one earned) on four hits and three walks with five strikeouts. Williams pitched one inning and relief for Gresgott and gave no hits or walks, but did inherit the winning run for the Griffins.

Lacey Lynn picked up the win for Seton Hill after pitching all seven innings, surrendering just one run on four hits with three walks and four strikeouts.

Slippery Rock closes out the regular season with a six-game week. The Rock start the week with a non-conference doubleheader 2 p.m. April 28 at Lock Haven University, followed by PSAC West doubleheaders 2 p.m. May 1 at Clarion and 1 p.m. Saturday at Gannon University.

Earlier this season, Slippery Rock lost a pair of games versus Lock Haven, 5-4 and 8-3, while winning all four matchups against Gannon and Clarion. The Rock triumphed over the Golden Knights 7-2 and 4-2, while picking up wins over the Golden Eagles 11-3 and 18-9.



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