Hallowell’s Hit Helps Haven to Sweep, 6-2, 4-3

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – Sophomore third baseman Stephanie Hallowell (Eagleville, Pa./Methacton) came through in the clutch, giving the Lock Haven University softball team (25-5, 10-0 PSAC West) its 15^th straight win in a double-header sweep of IUP (14-9, 7-2 PSAC West) 6-2 and 4-3 today (April 9) at Lawrence Field. Hallowell drove a pitch through the left side for a walk-off single in the bottom of the seventh in game two.

IUP pitcher Jodie Snavely got the scoring started with a solo home run in the first inning of game one. LHU would counter that with a two-run second, both runs scoring on a triple by senior rightfielder Kristin Frantz (Boyertown, Pa./Boyertown).

Junior shortstop Courtney Hughes (Schwenksville,Pa./Souderton) pulled within one of the LHU career record for home runs with her insurance-run blast in the fifth. IUP plated another run in the sixth, bringing them within one at 3-2.

The Lady Eagles put the game out of reach with three runs in the sixth, including a two-RBI double from Frantz.

Junior Shona M. Guevara (Chino Hills, Calif./Humboldt State University) gave up one earned run in seven innings to improve to 13-3, while Snavely (8-3) went six innings in the loss.

Game two was a true nail-biter. LHU twice took the lead and was quickly evened out by IUP. In the bottom of the seventh, with two out and the bases loaded, Hallowell stepped to the plate with the score knotted at three. The sophomore got a pitch she liked for a single between third and shortstop, plating pinch-runner Steph Nail (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin) for the win.

Junior Jeanette Middlestead (Coatesville, Pa./La Salle University) struck out seven in the complete-game win, improving to 10-1. IUP starter Amber Pangallo (2-5) threw six innings in the loss.

Senior centerfielder Lynn Spiezio (Trooper, Pa./Methacton) singled in each game for Lock Haven, giving her 191 career hits, tied for first place in the school record books with Theresa Kovach (1990-93).