WILLIAMSBURG, KY (Softball) – The Bears were unable to hold on to a late lead surrendering four runs in the final inning, losing 7-6 in game one. Game two was another tight contest as a sixth inning two run rally fell just short for SSU, who lost to the Patriots 5-4 on Friday afternoon at the Briar Creek Softball Field.

In game one, Jenna Crawford (SO/Franklin Furnace, Ohio) picked up three RBIs and scored two runs. Morgan McReynolds (SO/Covington, Ohio) finished the game with two RBIs and a run scored. Tara Duncan (JR/Lancaster, Ohio) was 2-for-4 from the plate and scored a run. In game two Hannah Dittoe (SR/Pickerington, Ohio) was 2-for-3 with two RBIs, while McReynolds and Katlyn Gleich (FR/Grove City, Ohio) also added RBIs.

Game One

The Patriots were in front early, grabbing a run in the first and third innings taking an early 2-0 lead through the first three innings of work. SSU broke through in the top of the fourth scoring three runs to take the lead. SSU held on to a 3-2 lead with 2.5 innings remaining.

The Cumberlands quickly tied the game, scoring a run in their half of the fourth to bring the game even at 3-3. SSU put together another offensive burst in the top of the fifth taking a three run lead. The Patriots were able to rally late and take game one from Shawnee in their final at-bat scoring four runs, leading to a 7-6 victory.

Game Two

In the second match-up Shawnee State struck first, scoring two runs in the first inning of play. The offense for both teams went silent after that, as the next three frames were scoreless, as SSU was leading 2-0

The Patriots took the lead in the bottom of the fifth scoring five runs. The Bears rallied scoring two run in the sixth, but were unable to push the crucial run across, losing by a final score of 5-4.

The Bears conclude this four-game set with two more games Saturday. Game one is scheduled for a 12 p.m. start at Briar Creek Softball Field.