ERIE, Pa. - No. 15 California (Pa.) scored runs in bunches while limiting Gannon to four hits in two games as the Vulcans swept a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division softball doubleheader Tuesday afternoon at Gannon University Field. The visitors posted the sweep by scores of 7-0 and 6-1.

In the opener, California (Pa.) used two big innings to capture a 7-0 victory. The Vulcans broke a scoreless tie with four runs on five hits in the top of the fifth inning. Eighth-place hitter Katie Burke started the rally with a two-run single to center field.

California (Pa.) then put the game out of reach with Danielle Easton's second home run of the season in the sixth inning, a three-run shot to center field.

Maria Greco improved to 9-2 while holding Gannon to a pair of hits. She did not allow a hit after the third inning. Hannah Koenig (Erie, Pa./McDowell) and Holli Michaels (Tacoma, Wash./Curtis) recorded the lone safeties.

In the nightcap, Gannon forged ahead on Kara Hensley's (Waterville, Ohio/Anthony Wayne) two-out, solo homer to right field in the bottom of the first inning. It was the senior's fourth home run of the season.

California (Pa.) tied the game on Alyson Johnson's RBI single in the third and took the lead with a five-run outburst in the top of the seventh inning. The first five Vulcans reached base in the inning, which was fueled by Kayleigh Braim's two-run triple and Johnson's two-run homer.

Lauren Shaheen also limited the Lady Knights to a pair of hits while improving to 8-2. She retired the final 17 Gannon batters. In addition to Hensley's home run, Ashley Petrone (Uniontown, Pa./Albert Gallatin) added a double in the second inning.

Kadie Ondrus (Curtice, Ohio/Clay) allowed only one run on three hits over five innings, but received a no decision. The junior struck out four and walked one. Kelsey Brickman (Sylvania, Ohio/Notre Dame Academy) took the loss in relief.

Gannon dropped to 13-12 overall and 0-4 in the PSAC West with its eighth consecutive loss. California (Pa.) improved to 24-4 overall and 6-0 in conference play. The Lady Knights return to action Thursday, April 2 at Wheeling Jesuit. The non-conference doubleheader is scheduled for 3 p.m.

For a complete box score from the first game of Tuesday's Gannon-California (Pa.) softball doubleheader, please click here.

For a complete box score from the second game of Tuesday's Gannon-California (Pa.) softball doubleheader, please click here.