The Penn State Mont Alto Softball team hosted the PSUAC Championship Tournament on Monday and Tuesday. Mont Alto was the number one seed going into the tournament after they claimed the PSUAC League Champions title.
Mont Alto faced number four seeded Hazleton for the first game of the tournament on Monday, where they dominated the game, wining 15-6 in five innings. Mont Alto had their bats going and they were steady on defense. Mackenzie Trafka was solid, 3 for 3 at the plate, a double, three RBI's and scoring every time she was up to bat. Jenna Rhodes earned the win from the mound. She pitched all five innings, allowing six hits; two of the six runs were earned, walked five and struck out one.
After the win, Mont Alto played the last game of the day against Beaver in the winner's bracket. Both teams came out ready to play after each earning a win earlier. Mont Alto started off the game scoring two right away in the bottom of the first. Beaver answered right back with three runs in the top of the second. After three scoreless innings for both teams, Beaver brought one home in the sixth and Mont Alto brought in two to tie the game, 4-4. In the top of the seventh, the only way Beaver's run was scored was on a call by the umpire due to Mont Alto's catcher stepping out the of the catcher's box. Beaver's runner on third advanced to home, giving them the lead 5-4. Mont Alto had one more chance to tie up the game, but could not produce the tying run.
Helena DeShong was 2 for 3 with two RBI's and scoring one run. Diamond Byers was also 2 for 3, with one RBI and recorded two doubles.
Kristyan Gates was on the mound for Mont Alto all seven innings. Gates allowed seven hits, five runs, two of which were earned, walked one and struck out seven. She threw 107 pitches and 72 of them were strikes.
After the loss against Beaver, Mont Alto had to play Hazleton Tuesday morning; the winner would advance to the PSUAC Championship game against Beaver.
Mont Alto was not able to produce another win against Hazleton in the crucial game, losing 5-1. Mont Alto only had 5 hits out of 26 at bats and left 10 runners on base. DeShong was 2 for 2 with a double. Jami Ross recorded a double as well as Kieara Fleagle who also had the only RBI of the game. Kristyan Gates pitched the whole game, striking out 10 of the 33 batters she faced, walking two and allowing one home run.
Gates earned her 105th strike out of the season during the game against Hazleton. So far this season Gates has pitched 111 innings. She plans to record more strikeouts at nationals next week.
Mont Alto finished the PSUAC Tournament in third place but will still be advancing to the USCAA National Softball Tournament in Akron, Ohio May 13th-15th.