Box Score

DRIFTON, Pa. – The Shippensburg University softball team cranked out five runs and nine hits in its first game at the 2012 PSAC Softball Championships but ultimately dropped a 9-5 slugfest to Lock Haven, the Central Division No. 1 seed, from the ASA of PA Jake Kislan Softball Complex.

Shippensburg (18-25) fell behind early after a five-run outburst in the second inning by the Lady Eagles but scored one run in the third on a RBI-double by senior third baseman Meg Lehman and two more in the fourth with a single off the bat of sophomore catcher Kirstin McClune. 

Lock Haven (26-16) took advantage of five unearned runs, including two in the second and three in the sixth inning on a two-out home run by Bridgette Clarke. The Lady Eagles cranked out 10 hits off SU freshman Liz Parkins, but only two went for extra bases.

Of the four hits recorded by LHU in the decisive second inning, two were of the infield variety and the other two either were off a glove or went up the middle.

Despite trailing as it entered the final frame, SU mounted another threat in the seventh. With the bases loaded and two outs, freshman Jessie Trammell smacked a single up the middle to plate sophomore Hilary Lyons and junior Kiersten Darhower. A fielder's choice ended the game.

Trammell, McClune and freshman Taylor Weisman each collected two hits.

From the circle, Parkins threw a complete game. She allowed four earned runs and struck out one.

Shippensburg will next play at 10 a.m. Thursday from Drifton against either IUP or Cal.

A victory in that game would set up a 4 p.m. game on Thursday against an opponent to be determined.