Behind a three-run sixth inning, the Gannon softball team earned a come-from-behind 5-3 victory against Slippery Rock on Tuesday afternoon inside McConnell Family Stadium.
Game 2 was suspended, due to inclement weather, in the top of the third inning with The Rock leading, 3-2.
The Golden Knights (24-11 overall) improved to 19-6 in the PSAC West as they clinched a PSAC playoff berth for the 14th consecutive year. With six road games remaining on the schedule, Gannon currently sits in second place behind Seton Hill.
How it Happened
- Gannon struck first in the bottom of the first inning off a Natalia Mallozzi (Woodbridge, Ontario/Father Bressani Catholic) RBI single through the left side to take an early, 1-0 lead.
- An Abbey Girman (Bridgeville, Pa./South Fayette) hot shot to third base saw Gannon plate its second run in the third inning.
- The fifth inning saw the Gannon lead disappear as the Rock were able to get its leadoff runner on base before a game-tying home run to left field made it 2-2.
- Still in the fifth inning, the Rock capped off its third and final run off a double to left field to take the 3-2 lead.
- Slippery Rock's lead didn't last long as the Golden Knights plated a trio of game-winning runs to secure the win.
- A hit-by-pitch, single, and passed ball were followed up by a fielder's choice that tied the contest a three.
- Back-to-back RBI singles from Gabi Vasi (Tonawanda, N.Y./Kenmore East) and Girman saw Gannon take a 5-3 advantage heading into the seventh.
- With two outs, the Rock looked to threaten with a double to left field, but the Slippery Rock two-out rally fell just short as the Golden Knights secured the home win.
Inside the Numbers
- Gannon plated five runs on nine hits with no errors.
- Gabi Vasi (Tonawanda, N.Y./Kenmore East) pitched the complete seven innings and struck out four to earn her sixth win of the season. At the plate, she tallied one hit and an RBI.
- Alaina Whipkey (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny) led the Gannon bats with a 3-for-4 performance at the plate. She also added two runs as well.
- Natalia Mallozzi (Woodbridge, Ontario/Father Bressani Catholic) finished with one run, one hit, and an RBI, while Girman added a pair of hits and RBIs.
- Ashley Fox (Cowansville, Pa./Karns City) added a hit and stolen base, while Bella Atherton (Kittanning, Pa./Armstrong) also stole a base to conclude the Golden Knights' offensive effort.
- The Rock were led by Jeanna Sukey who had a home run and two RBI's.
Up Next
Gannon hits the road and travels to take on Erie County rival Edinboro on Thursday, April 25. First-pitch is slated for a 2 p.m. start at Edinboro softball field.