STEUBENVILLE, Ohio – In the first game of a rescheduled double-header against Penn State Behrend, the Franciscan University of Steubenville women's softball team's struggles continued, as they fell 11-0. In game two of the day, the Lady Baron bats came alive, but the final score still was not in their favor as they lost 13-11.
"It was good to see us score some runs after getting shut out the previous five games," head coach Terry Leighty said.
Due to an injury to starting pitcher Amelia Gallagher, first-year pitcher Amanda Ruwart pitched both games on the day. After struggling in game one, she settled down in game two, giving up four runs through five innings. It was in her 11th inning of pitching on the day when she became visibly fatigued and ran into trouble.
Heading into the top of the sixth inning in game two, the Lady Barons were in control with a 10-4 lead. The previous half inning was Franciscan's most productive offensive inning of the season as they scored seven runs on seven hits while it sent 11 batters to the plate.
Behrend, however, was ready for an offensive explosion of its own. The Lions unleashed for nine runs on six hits, to reclaim a 13-10 lead.
The Lady Barons had the tying run at the plate in the bottom of the seventh, but could not convert as they extended their losing streak to 12 games to start the season.
"The girls never quit," said Leighty . "They never get down on each other. No matter what the score is, they are always up and cheering, being really supportive of one another, and that is one of the great things about this team."
As well as taking care of the pitching duties, Ruwart led the Lady Barons offensively on the day going 4-7 over the two games with two RBI. Also notching two RBI for Franciscan were Mallori Linscomb and Katrina Fabian. Daniella Pillar went 3-5 in game two with a double and an RBI, and Allyson White went 3-4.
Franciscan's next game is a home double-header Tuesday, March 27, versus Penn State Beaver at 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.
