The Shippensburg University softball team competed in the West Virginia Wesleyan Tournament in Salem, Virginia, on March 10–11 and went 4–1 to improve its record to 13–8 on the season.

SU’s opponents were Winston-Salem State University, Salem International University, West Liberty University, University of the Sciences and Lincoln Memorial University. SU’s only loss of the weekend came against Lincoln Memorial in the final game of the tournament.

It was a high-scoring weekend, with the Raiders scoring 40 runs in five games. The Raiders played two games Friday and three games Saturday.

SU’s first game against Winston-Salem required a late comeback to grab a win. The Raiders fell behind 8–5 in the fifth inning after allowing six runs — three of which came on a three-run home run. SU gave up four home runs in the game, but was still able to come away with a victory.

SU freshman Emily Zaring hit a home run in the bottom of the fifth to cut the Winston-Salem lead to 8–6, and the Raiders reclaimed the lead in the sixth with four runs to push the score to 10–8. Sophomore Julia Tosti tossed a scoreless seventh inning to give SU the win. Tosti earned the win with five strikeouts in relief of sophomore Taryn Wilson.

The second game against Salem International resulted in a rout. The Raiders scored 13 runs in the first four innings, prompting the umpire to call the game early for the mercy rule. SU scored in all four innings and Salem International was held to just two runs by the fourth inning. Junior Chloe Collins kept Salem International’s bats quiet all afternoon, striking out seven while allowing two runs over five innings of work in the win.

SU got wins against Liberty and University of the Sciences, 4–2 and 9–4, respectively, before dropping its final game against Lincoln Memorial, 10–4.

Multiple Raiders had great days offensively. Freshman Meghan Klee had two home runs and four RBIs, while junior Tara Bicko had five hits, including a home run and two RBIs. Zaring continued her strong weekend with a home run and four RBIs.

SU will return to action March 25 when it opens Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference play with a doubleheader at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). First pitch of Game 1 is set for 1 p.m.

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