SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. - Pace University Softball closed its opening weekend on Sunday afternoon with a split against Shepherd University at Sara Cree Field. The Rams took the opener 9–4 before the Setters responded with a strong pitching performance to earn a 3–2 victory in the second game. With the split, the Blue and Gold moved to 2–2 overall on the season.
Game One
Shepherd jumped out to an early lead in the opener, scoring three runs in the first inning before Pace responded in the second.
The Setters began their rally when
Willa Poplawski singled to open the inning and later scored on an RBI single from
Bella Cardona. Moments later,
Kaylee Matsuda drew a bases-loaded walk to bring home another run and cut the deficit to 3–2.
Pace grabbed the lead in the fourth inning behind a clutch swing from Matsuda. After
Nikki Chong and
Kara King reached base, Matsuda lined a two-run double to left-center field to give the Blue and Gold a 4–3 advantage.
Shepherd answered in the bottom of the inning to tie the game before breaking it open in the sixth. The Rams plated five runs in the frame, highlighted by a two-run home run, to pull away for the victory.
Matsuda drove in three runs for Pace, while Cardona and Poplawski each recorded hits in the contest.
Game Two
The Setters responded in the second game with timely offense and strong pitching to secure the split.
After five scoreless innings, Pace broke through in the sixth.
Kara King was hit by a pitch before
Kaylee Matsuda and
Ashley Field followed with back-to-back bunt singles to load the bases.
Riley Jenkins then lifted a sacrifice fly to bring home the first run before
Willa Poplawski delivered a two-run single to give the Blue and Gold a 3–0 lead.
Shepherd attempted to rally in the seventh, scoring two runs to cut the deficit to one, but the Setters held on.
Priscilla Del Toro earned the win after tossing six strong innings, allowing two runs while striking out three.
Alyssa Smart entered in the seventh and closed the door to secure the save.
Field led Pace offensively with two hits, while Poplawski drove in two runs to pace the Blue and Gold at the plate.
The Setters returns to action on Saturday traveling to face Chowan University for a 1 p.m. doubleheader.
