Lehigh Soars with Six-Run Tenth Inning to Complete Rivalry Series Sweep – Lehigh University Athletics

EASTON, Pa. – The Lehigh softball team clinched a thrilling 10-4 win over their rival Lafayette thanks to a commanding six-run inning in the 10th. The victory completed a three-game sweep for the Mountain Hawks at Metzgar Fields.

Lehigh was in the lead for portions of the game but faced stiff competition. Senior Lindsey Martin ignited the scoring spree in the 10th with an RBI single. First-year pitcher Madison Finnerty was a standout, pitching all 10 innings, allowing three earned runs on eight hits, and striking out an impressive 12 batters. This marks Finnerty’s second win of the series.

The Mountain Hawks’ offense was electric, accumulating 16 hits throughout the game. Sophomore Holly Lovett shone brightly, going 4-for-4 with two RBIs. Several players contributed multi-hit games, including Martin, Julia Mrochko, and Rory Dudley. Mrochko and Wrigley Fanter also hit key two-run singles in the decisive inning.

With this win, Lehigh improved to 15-17, while Lafayette dropped to 5-21, both teams now sitting at 3-3 in league play.

Throughout the first six and a half innings, runs came mainly due to wild pitches, making for an interesting start to the game. Lafayette’s Mary Grace O’Neill opened the scoring in the first with a double, eventually crossing home thanks to a wild pitch. Lehigh answered with runs in the fourth as Dudley and Fanter capitalized on errant pitches from Lafayette’s Marisa Powell.

Finnerty’s pitching kept Lehigh afloat, striking out batters when it mattered. In a crucial sixth inning, she stranded O’Neill at second base, maintaining the Mountain Hawks’ lead. The tension escalated in the seventh when Lafayette’s Regan Dillon tied the game with a clutch hit.

Extras brought high drama as Lehigh regained the lead in the eighth, but Lafayette responded quickly with their own runs, sending the game into the ninth inning.

In the 10th, Lehigh’s offense exploded. Peyton Sward’s single set the stage, and Martin’s hit quickly put Lehigh ahead. With the bases loaded, Mrochko’s double and Fanter’s single sealed a commanding lead.

Finnerty closed out the game, striking out the side in the 10th to earn her seventh win of the season.

Lafayette’s O’Neill and Dillon put forth a strong effort, combining for five of their eight hits.

Lehigh heads to Princeton for a non-league game, showcasing the competitive spirit of college softball. Fans can look forward to upcoming matches, highlighting the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the sport.

For more updates on Lehigh Softball’s season, follow them on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

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