FAIRFAX, Virginia- The Saint Francis softball (11-19) team split a doubleheader with the George Mason Patriots on Wednesday. The Red Flash won the first game 12-8 and lost the second contest 6-5.

Game One Recap

·         The Red Flash jumped out to a 1-0 start courtesy of a hit by pitch and a fielding error. Jordan Frank (DuBois, Pa./DuBois Central Catholic) capitalized by hitting an infield single to score Cheyenne McKee (DuBois, Pa./DuBois).

·         Christina Clark (Avon, Ohio/Avon High School) started in the circle for Saint Francis and recorded a scoreless first inning.

·         In the second inning, Mikayla Bower (Williamsport, Pa./Williamsport) singled and Kassidy Troxell (Navarre, Ohio/Perry) doubled down the line. Bower was tagged out at third and GMU recorded two outs to render the opportunity null and void.

·         The Patriots were once again held scoreless in their frame.

·         Despite a Sierra McKee (DuBois, Pa./DuBois) double, SFU couldn't push a run across in the top of the third inning.

·         George Mason broke through for seven runs in the third inning. Two singles and a double scored the first run. Two more singles equaled two more runs. Another single combined with a throwing error made it 5-1. The sixth single of the inning scored the sixth run. Meadow Uncapher (Mount Pleasant, Pa./Mount Pleasant High School) entered the game to relive Clark. A throwing error by Uncapher led to the seventh run. A groundout mercifully brought the inning to a close.

·         In the fourth inning, the Red Flash were retired in order.

·         George Mason tacked on another run courtesy of two singles and a stolen base.

·         GMU instituted a pitching change at the start of the fifth inning and SFU proved it to be a mistake. Halle Marion (Middletown, Pa./Middletown) singled and MeKenzie Saban (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Hills) was hit by a pitch. Cheyenne McKee (DuBois, Pa./DuBois) singled to drive in Marion. Norton followed up with a two-run single through the middle. Sierra McKee (DuBois, Pa./DuBois) tripled down the line for an 8-5 score. After two outs, Bower reached on a fielding error which scored McKee. SFU was back in the game down 8-6.

·         Uncapher, despite allowing two baserunners, prevented any runs from scoring.

·         SFU tied the game in the top of the sixth inning. Marion and Saban singled to start the frame. After two outs, clutch Sierra McKee (DuBois, Pa./DuBois) drove in the tying runs with a sharp single.

·         Once again, George Mason had two baserunners but were unable to score.

·         In the top of the seventh inning, the Red Flash not only regained the lead but added key insurance runs mixed with some history. Troxell doubled and Marion hit a triple to take the 9-8 lead. Cheyenne McKee (DuBois, Pa./DuBois) hit a triple as well for a 10-8. Then, Hayley Norton (Spring Grove, Pa./Spring Grove) enshrined her name in the SFU record book by smacking a monster two-run homer over the right field wall. That home run gave SFU a 12-8 lead and marked Norton as the all-time home run leader in SFU softball history with 49.

·         GMU mustered a walk but Uncapher shut down the Patriots to clinch the dramatic comeback victory.

Game Two Recap

·         Saban walked to start the game but a double play erased the opportunity.

·         Mikayla Bower (Williamsport, Pa./Williamsport) was given the start in the circle. GMU jumped out to a 3-0 lead as a mixture of singles, a hit by pitch, and a fielder's choice resulted in the early advantage.

·         Both teams were retired in order in the second inning.

·         Saint Francis capitalized on GMU errors to score three runs in the top of the third inning. Marion walked with two outs and Saban reached when the third baseman booted a routine ball. This left Cheyenne McKee (DuBois, Pa./DuBois) with a golden chance and the reigning NEC Player of the Year made the Patriots pay with a triple in the left center gap. The throw to third went wild and McKee came home to score to tie the game at 3-3.

·         GMU quickly regained the lead with a triple and a fielding error by Allyn Bezjak (Uniontown, Pa./Albert Gallatin High School). With the runner on third, a Patriot batter laid down a bunt. Bezjak attempted to make the tag but the ball popped out of her glove. All hands were safe.

·         In the top of the fourth inning, Saint Francis, once again, devised a run thanks to GMU mishaps. Frank drew a walk, stolen second, advanced to third on the wild throw, and Coach Jessica O'Donnell sensing the chance sent her home to score. The score was tied up 4-4.

·         Bower let up a single but no runs as the Patriots went scoreless in the frame.

·         The Red Flash were set down 1-2-3 in the top of the fifth inning.

·         George Mason could only muster one hit but it was a bomb over the 225 sign in center field. The Patriots led 5-4.

·         Norton answered the home run with a monster shot of her own. This time, the lefty slugger went the opposite field with her blow for the 50^th home run of her career. Tied game at 5-5.

·         Uncapher came into the circle to start the bottom of the sixth inning and held the Patriots scoreless.

·         Unfortunately, SFU went down 1-2-3 in the seventh inning.

·         George Mason got the win by utilizing a walk-off in the truest application of the term. A fly out to center field was the first out. Alas, a grounder scooted under Bezjak's glove and GMU had a chance. A perfectly placed bunt allowed for two runners and a walk loaded the bases. The GMU batter and Uncapher battled to a 3-2 count and the payoff pitch was just low. George Mason truly walked off winners.

Notes

·         Norton now has broken two cherished SFU records: career hits and career home runs.

·         Norton is three RBIs away from tying Madison Cabell (Ivor, Va./Southampton) for first all-time. Cabell drove in 188 runs.

Up Next

The Red Flash rest up and refuel for 10 days before traveling to Bryant on March 30^th to open the 2019 NEC campaign.