Hawk's Second Game Rally Results in Split

Hagerstown Softball, now 2-2, hosted Howard Community College on Monday for a NJCAA Region 20 and Maryland JUCO doubleheader on the campus of Hagerstown CC.

The Hawks, playing in only their second outing, fought hard in game one against the Dragons, who were 5-15 going into the matchup . Going down four runs in the first inning, the Hawks battled back to trail by three runs through the top of the sixth inning. Pitching by Adrianna Beeler, Cali Ricker, Payton Kendall, and Peyton Sheffler, along with the Hawks defense, held the Dragons scoreless into the top of the sixth where they added another run, making the score 5-3 Dragons. Howard scored 3 runs in the top of the seventh to Hagerstown's 2 in the bottom, bringing the final score and win to Howard, 8-5. When asked, Coach Alicen Galanis noted, "Game one was tough. We had a much later and laxer start than our competitors. When the chemistry clicks and everyone learns how to finesse the game, the score will fall into place."

In game two, both teams traded runs through four innings, with the score in favor of the Dragons 7-6. The Hawks defense, behind pitcher Peyton Sheffler, held Howard scoreless after the fourth inning, and in the top of the sixth, Baily Wilson made a diving catch in center field, throwing out the tagging runner for the Dragons, sparking a momentum change for the Hawks. With the heart of the Hawks lineup facing the Dragons in the bottom of the seventh, Cali Ricker doubled to the gap, followed by Sydra Royer who singled to the gap, and Morgan Kolich drilled the ball to right field scoring both of her teammates to win the game 8-7. "We will get there," stated Galanis, "This is a very talented roster and I am very confident in the skill, knowledge, and determination of this team."

Hagerstown hosts Anne Arundel Community College today at home, doubleheader starting at 3:00 p.m., and the Hawks travel to WVU Potomac State for a 3:00 doubleheader start on Friday, March 31st.