Estep dominating this year

Shippensburg University softball witnessed greatness on April 5, 2013.

Junior Emily Estep stepped into the circle to try and give SU a quality start. Little did she know she was about to notch her place in the Raiders record book.

It was a normal PSAC matchup, the Raiders looked to continue their winning ways when they traveled to West Chester University. Estep was scheduled to pitch the first game of the doubleheader.

She was dominant throughout the whole game, allowing only three base runners —all on walks. The game was a nail-biter until the Raiders broke through and scored runs in the sixth and seventh innings — sending Estep out to the circle in the bottom of the seventh inning with a 2–0 lead.

With her no-hitter on the line, Estep shut down the Golden Rams, retiring the side and solidifying her first no-hitter.

Estep threw the first seven-inning no-hitter since Dani Shields blanked Kutztown University in a dramatic 2006 PSAC tournament win. Shields had an impressive junior campaign as well. She finished the 2006 season with a 1.29 ERA, striking out 171 and walking only 37. Shields ended the year with the second best record on the team, notching 15 wins and losing only seven games.

The team finished 42–20 overall and 17–7 in PSAC East play — falling to Lock Haven University 1–0 in the NCAA playoffs.

Like Shields, Estep has been dominate this year, posting an astounding 1.21 ERA, fanning 127 batters and walking only 33 in her 110 1/3 innings pitched. Her 13–4 record is the best on the SU pitching staff.

Estep has improved many aspects of her pitching game from the past season. At this time last year Estep held a 3.21 ERA and had a record of 4-6.

Estep will look to continue her dominate pitching performance as the Raiders look to make a run at a PSAC championship for the first time since 2011.