IUP Softball Shines in Season Opener at Spring Games: Highlights and Insights

CLERMONT, Fla. – IUP softball kicked off the Spring Games in Florida with a solid start, winning two games against Bemidji State and Northwood.

Game 1 – Bemidji State:

Kendall Young took the mound for IUP and pitched a complete game, allowing only three hits. IUP’s offense was led by Maddie Griffin, Madison Pikula, and Emily Miller, who each scored a run. Tess Smiley also shined with a double.

The scoring began in the first inning when Griffin hit a single, followed by a walk to Jordan Sylvia. Paige Truax then singled, which allowed Griffin to score. Unfortunately, Sylvia got stranded at base.

In the third inning, Pikula walked to start the inning, and Griffin reached first on an error. Sylvia moved them both along with a groundout, and Delaney Patella brought Pikula home with a sacrifice fly, making it 2-0. IUP wrapped up the third with a groundout.

The fourth inning saw Regan Rand walk, and Miller reached on an error to advance Rand. Brianna Pusateri moved Miller close to home with a fielder’s choice, and Smiley brought Miller in with her double, putting IUP ahead 3-0.

Bemidji State mounted a comeback in the sixth inning, scoring two runs, but a strong defense from IUP locked in the 3-2 victory with no scoring in the final frame.

Game 2 – Northwood:

In the second game, Olivia Hillegas pitched a complete game, allowing only four hits while IUP’s batting lineup thrived. Griffin went 2-for-3 and scored two runs, while Jaycee Haidze hit a double with three RBIs.

Griffin started the first inning with a single, and Haidze’s walk advanced her. Patella moved them both forward with a groundout, and Truax capitalized on a fielding error that let Griffin score. IUP led 1-0 after the first inning.

Northwood fought back in the second and managed to load the bases, scoring a run on an RBI single. However, IUP responded with a powerful second inning, scoring four runs. Rand walked, and after a groundout, Cekada also walked. Griffin loaded the bases with another single, and Haidze hit a double, bringing in three runs as Griffin, Cekada, and Rand rounded the bases. Patella followed with a single that brought home Haidze, boosting the score to 5-1.

The third and fourth innings were quick for both teams, but Northwood managed to add a run in the fifth with a sacrifice fly after reaching base on a triple, ending the game at 5-2.

What’s Next:
IUP is back in action tomorrow, March 9, with games against Winona State at 2:00 PM and Hillsdale at 4:15 PM.

Stay Connected:
For updates on the IUP softball team, follow them on X (Twitter) and Instagram @IUPsoftball, or visit IUPAthletics.com.

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