WEEHAWKEN, N.J. (April 15, 2023) – Junior Jessica Guerrero recorded four hits and scored two runs on the day as the Stevens Institute of Technology softball team split a doubleheader with Lycoming, 6-2 and 3-10, on Saturday afternoon in a MAC Freedom play at Waterfront Park. The Ducks celebrated senior day, honoring seniors Olivia Warner, Erein Kreis, Elise Fauske, and Alex Schoellig.

Along with Guerrero, fifth-year Meg Hallaron also had a good day at the plate for the Ducks (13-15, 5-5 MAC Freedom). She tallied three hits, an RBI, and scored two runs across the two games. Schoellig had two RBI, had one hit, and scored one in the Ducks' win. Lycoming (17-7, 8-2 MAC Freedom) remains in first place in the MAC Freedom standings.

"Big W in game one for us," head coach Emily Kaczmarek said. "Happy to celebrate the senior class today. The weather was beautiful."

Stevens jumped on the Warriors right from the start, scoring four runs in the first inning. Guerrero kickstarted the day with a leadoff double for the Ducks. Sophomore Madison Subbiondo brought her home a few batters later to get the Ducks on the board. With sophomore Rachael Prescott on first, Subbiondo on second, and Warner on third, all the base runners advanced on a wild pitch to double the Duck advantage. The Ducks tacked on two more runs to close the inning as Schoellig reached on an error. Graduate student Siobhan Cottell got caught at third trying to get another base.

After a scoreless second inning, the Ducks added another run in the third inning as Cottell hit a solo home run to left field to extend the Stevens lead to five. The homer was her first of the season and tenth of her career.

Lycoming finally broke through in the top half of the fourth inning for their first run of the game. Rachel DeWolfe had an RBI on the play. This made the score 5-1 in favor of the home side.

Despite giving up the run in the top half of the fourth, the Ducks came back with a run of their own in the bottom of half to restore their five run lead. Schoellig singled to start the inning and later reached second via a stolen base. With two outs in the inning, Halloraan smacked a double into left field which scored Schoellig.

Lycoming added another run in the sixth inning, but that was all they could muster as the Ducks were victorious. The win ended their five game losing streak and ended the Warriors' three game winning streak.

First-year Ella Tozduman (7-5) pitched all seven innings in her seventh win of the season. She only allowed two runs on six hits. The right-hander also struck out three.

Payton Whary (5-3) only lasted 1.1 innings in defeat for Lycoming. She allowed four runs on three hits, two of which were unearned. She struck out two. Avery Eiswerth pitched 4-2 innings in relief. She allowed two runs on five hits and struck out five.

Building off of the momentum they gained in game one, the Ducks once again struck in the bottom of the first inning to take an early lead. Halloran, who reached on a bunt single, advanced to second on the play. She then stole third. Now with Warner up to plate, she grounded into an RBI as Halloran touched home to put the Ducks in front.

The Ducks doubled their advantage in the third inning. Back at the top of the order, Guerrero made it to first as she delivered a single. Halloran was then hit by a pitch in the next at-bat. Warner followed that up with a flyout that advanced both runners. Subbiondo then grounded out in the next at-bat for the Ducks, scoring Guerrero on the play.

The Warriors finally got on the board in the fourth inning as they cut the deficit in half. With the bases loaded, Hailee Sobieski hit a sacrifice fly to center.

In the top of the sixth inning, Stevens ran into trouble as the Warriors finally found their stride. Lycoming scored five runs in the inning. The Ducks also committed two errors in the frame. Eiswerth, Daub, and Kylie Russell each tallied RBI for the visitors. The score would be 6-2 heading to the seventh. 

The Ducks found themselves in more trouble in the top of the seventh as Lycoming added four more runs to their total. DeWolfe, Sobieski, Eisworth, and Kristen George brought home a Warrior runner in the inning. After leading by one after five innings, the Ducks found themselves trailing by eight just an inning and a half later.

Despite trailing, Stevens brought home one run in the seventh, but it would not be enough as they dropped their sixth game in the last seven played. Prescott drew a bases loaded walk to bring home the run.

Senior Erin Kreis (3-9) pitched five innings for the Ducks as she earned the start in game two. She gave up four runs on four hits. She also struck out two batters. First-years Kyra Fischer and Ashley Allen each pitched one inning in relief. Fischer allowed six runs (four earned) on three hits while Allen only allowed two hits.

Kylie Russell (8-3) earned the start for Lycoming in the second game. She pitched all seven innings and gave up three runs on 11 hits. She struck out five batters and walked two.

Up Next: Softball resumes action when they visit Drew University for a doubleheader on Tuesday, April 18. Game times are set for 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. The Ducks are 4-6 all-time against Drew. Drew swept last year's doubleheader between the two teams. Links for live stats and video are posted to StevensDucks.com.