CENTER VALLEY, Pa. (April 13, 2024) – Sophomore Joy Pikul totaled three hits and a run scored as the Stevens Institute of Technology softball team lost to DeSales 4-1 in game one and 9-1 (F/6) in game two Saturday afternoon in a MAC Freedom doubleheader.

Sophomore Kyra Fischer (8-8) took the loss in game one. She pitched the whole game and allowed four runs on 11 hits. She also struck out a batter. 

Sophomore Ella Tozduman (2-2) lost game two. She pitched three and two-thirds innings and allowed eighth runs on 10 hits. Only three of the runs were earned. Sophomore Ashley Allen pitched an inning and a third of relief, as she gave up one run on three hits.

The Ducks (13-13, 5-5) lost two in a pivotal series that will impact MAC Freedom seeding down the stretch. Coming into the day, the two teams were tied in the standings, but now the Bulldogs own a two game lead plus the tiebreaker. The Ducks currently are the four seed, which would allow them to make the MAC playoffs as the last team in. Delaware Valley sits a spot below the Ducks and with at least one win over Arcadia tomorrow, will jump Stevens for the final playoff spot heading into the final two MAC Freedom series of the year. DeSales now sits at 20-6 with a conference record of 7-3.

The Rundown (Game 1)

• DeSales scored one in the bottom of the second to take the early lead.
• The Bulldogs doubled their advantage with a run in the third.
• The home side would go up 3-0 after scoring another run in the bottom of the fourth.
• DeSales scored one more run in the bottom of the sixth.
• Stevens had the bases loaded to start the seventh as they attempted to put together a rally. Junior Madison Subbiondo singled to lead things off, followed by a double from senior Carolyn Yahn to put two runners into scoring position. First-year Maria Dante then grounded into a fielder's choice that loaded the bases with nobody out. In the next at-bat, Pikul singled to center field on a ball that dropped in front of the center fielder. The base runners did not see that coming though, as DeSales would be able to turn a double play despite the single from Pikul. Subbiondo scored on the play. DeSales would be able to hold on to secure the victory from there.

The Rundown (Game 2)

• DeSales brought their momentum from game one into game two, as they scored two in the bottom of the second.
• The Bulldogs put up three more in the bottom of the third to go up 5-0.
• The home side added another three in the bottom of the fourth to take a 8-0 lead.
• Stevens got one back in the top of the fifth. Pikul would reach first on a leadoff single to put a base runner on for Stevens. After two quick outs, senior Jessica Guerrero doubled to score Pikul as the Ducks made the score 8-1 DeSales.
• The Bulldogs tallied another run in the sixth as they ended the game due to being up eight runs in the fifth or later.

Top Performers

• Pikul tallied three hits and scored a run.
• Guerrero had a hit and an RBI.
• Subbiondo had two hits and scored a run.
• First-year Emma Quattrochi also recorded two hits.
• Pikul stole one base.

For the Opponents

• Rachel Lowry (11-3) earned the win in game one. She pitched all seven innings and allowed just one run on six hits. She struck out six batters.
• Alanna Hartzell (6-2) picked up the win in game two. She pitched all six innings and allowed one run on four hits while picking up four strikeouts.
• Morgan Benner totaled five hits, two RBI, and scored twice.
• Tori Kenney secured three hits, two RBI, and a run scored.
• Paige Hromin picked up two RBI, two runs scored, and two hits.

Around the MAC Freedom 

• Delaware Valley 5, King's 0 F/SUN
• Misericordia 2, Lebanon Valley 1 F/SUN
• Misericordia 4, Lebanon Valley 5 F/SUN
• Delaware Valley 6, King's 5 F/SUN
• Franklin & Marshall 1, Lebanon Valley 5 F/MON
• Franklin & Marshall 4, Lebanon Valley 8 F/MON
• Arcadia 2, Eastern 5 F/TUE
• Delaware Valley 4, Widener 5 F/TUE
• Arcadia 5, Eastern 0 F/TUE
• Delaware Valley 7, Widener 0 F/TUE
• FDU-Florham 11, King's 10 F/WED
• DeSales 4, Neumann 1 F/WED
• DeSales 5, Neumann 2 F/WED

Up Next

• Softball returns home on Wednesday as the Ducks will host Drew. The games will start at 3 and 5 p.m. The Ducks are 4-8 all-time against the Rangers, including losing the last four matchups. Links for live stats and video are posted to StevensDucks.com.