The softball team kept its playoff dream alive on Friday after battling the Kutztown Golden Bears in a pair of games each decided by one run on Senior Day at Ship’s Robb Field.

Shippensburg (15-18) edged Kutztown 3-2 in Game 1 before suffering a 7-6 loss in Game 2. In the double-header the Raiders totaled nine runs and compiled 19 hits, 11 of those hits came from its seniors in their final home appearance.

Following the game Head Coach Bob Brookens lamented the impact the seniors had on the softball program—alluding to both their leadership presence and on-field success.

“It isn’t so much the impact they’ve had on the season,” said Brookens, “but the impact they’ve had on our program, Shippensburg University and the community.”

“These six seniors are outstanding young ladies and have had some sort of starting-role since they were freshmen. I can’t say enough about them as students, athletes and young ladies. Without them our program would definitely not have been successful.”

Game 1

The Raiders struck first with an impressive second-inning outing on both defense and offense and defeated the Golden Bears 3-2 in Game 1 of the double-header.

Starting Pitcher Liz Parkins recorded three of her five strike outs in the top of the inning before Senior Taylor Weisman smacked a pitch over the center-field fence to give the Raiders an early 1-0 lead.

Shippensburg added another run when Taylor Llewellyn singled to center and Kutztown outfielder Rachael Hawes committed a throwing error that allowed Jenny Peel to score.

Shippensburg found themselves in a jam when the Golden Bears Responded in the fourth inning to tie the game at two runs apiece.

The Raiders re-gained the lead in the sixth inning after Taylor Dorman—who was pinch running for Jessie Trammel, scored the game-winning run off a two-out wild pitch by Kutztown.

Game 2

Shippensburg contested Kutztown all game but was unable to even the match in the bottom of the seventh and fell 7-6 to the Golden Bears.

Both teams opened the game swinging for the fences. Kutztown extended its lead to 3-0 after Bridget Newman smacked a two-run home run. Shippensburg’s Taylor Pattillo responded to the gesture and one-upped Newman with a three-run homer of her own to give the Raiders a 4-3 advantage.

After Kutztown tied the game at four runs in the third inning—Senior Taylor Weisman smacked her second home run of the day over the center field fence to give the Raider a 5-4 lead.

Weisman after the game referenced her patience as key to her multi-home run day.

“I just have confidence in myself and my swing,” said Weisman. “I knew to stay back and wait on her because she’s a little slower than the other pitchers.”

Shippensburg added another run in the fifth inning but was unable to tie the game in the seventh.

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