ORLANDO, Fl. — The Juniata softball team fell to Trinity (Conn.) 5-1 on Sunday afternoon despite a late push in the sixth inning. The Eagles were held scoreless through five innings before breaking through in the bottom of the sixth, but the Bantams' consistent offensive pressure proved too much to overcome.
Trinity (Conn.) got on the board first in the third inning when a sacrifice fly brought home a run for a 1-0 lead. The Bantams added two more in the fourth inning, capitalizing on a Juniata fielding error, making it 3-0. Trinity extended the lead in the sixth with a double to left field to drive in a run. A RBI single followed pushing the Bantams' lead to 5-0.
Juniata responded in the bottom of the sixth. Chelsea Williams reached base and advanced to second on a single by Dani Berlin. Eva Johnson stepped up and delivered a clutch single to left center, scoring Williams and cutting the deficit to 5-1. However, that would be the only run the Eagles could muster as the Trinity pitcher shut down the offense in the final frame.
Claire Thomas led the Eagles at the plate, going 2-for-3, while Skyler Howlett and Johnson each contributed hits. Juniata's pitching staff battled throughout the game, with Gracie Ruch starting and allowing one run on four hits over 2.1 innings. Kenzie Tapias followed in relief, surrendering four runs (two earned) on five hits in 3.1 innings, while Maryn Swank closed out the game with 1.1 scoreless innings.
Juniata's second game against Gallaudet was postponed due to lightning and thunder. The Eagles have a day off before facing off against Worchester State and McDaniel on March 18th.
