Shippensburg softball was given a very tall task after being handed a busy and competitive week of games, but managed to split doubleheaders against East Stroudsburg and Bloomsburg after sweeping Bowie State in non-conference play. 

The Raiders opened their busy weekend at East Stroudsburg with a close 2–1 loss in extra innings. East Stroudsburg struck first in the fifth inning, but Shippensburg responded in the next inning as senior Caitlyn Martell came in to score on an RBI groundout by junior Reagan Bauman to tie the score at a deadlocked 1-1. 

From there, the game turned into a pitcher’s duel, with sophomore Dani Hayward shining in one of her strongest performances of the season. Hayward went 8 2/3 innings, all while allowing only two runs and seven hits while striking out six and keeping the Raiders within reach as the game continued and even into extras. 

The game was firmly tied until the bottom of the ninth, when East Stroudsburg pounced on a late opportunity and walked it off with an RBI double.

Shippensburg responded in a big way in Game 2, bouncing back with an impressive 5–0 shutout victory to earn a split of the doubleheader in East Stroudsburg. The Raiders wasted little time setting the tone for the outlook of the game, putting up two runs in the first inning courtesy of RBI singles from Bauman as well as from senior Emilee Sullivan. 

Martell continued her strong day in the batter’s box, blasting a solo home run in the fourth inning before also adding another RBI in the fifth as part of a three-run inning that gave Shippensburg control of its destiny. 

On the mound, senior Kaira Zamadics was unstoppable, pitching a complete game shutout while allowing just three hits and limiting East Stroudsburg’s chances from start to finish.

The Raiders carried the momentum into Saturday’s matchup at Bloomsburg, opening the doubleheader with a commanding 10–3 victory. After an early deficit, Shippensburg answered the call in the fifth inning, as senior Lindsey Haser mashed an RBI double, and senior Rilee Ehrlacher joined the fun with a two-run double to give the Raiders the lead. 

The offense continued to roll and seemingly erupted in the seventh inning, where Shippensburg put up six runs to put the game out of reach. Ehrlacher and Martell each went deep in the inning, solidifying a balanced and rowdy offensive effort. Hayward earned the victory on the bump, going the distance and only surrendering three runs.

In Game 2, Bloomsburg answered with a 9–4 win to split the series. The Huskies jumped out to an early lead with a two-run home run and continued to build momentum with well-balanced hitting throughout the game. 

The Raiders, however, did fight back and show some life in the fourth inning. They scored three runs, with key contributions from Sullivan and pouncing on lapses on defense for the moment  to tie the game. However, Bloomsburg responded in the late innings with runs to regain the lead and secure the win.

SU also competed in a nonconference matchup against Bowie State earlier in the week, sweeping the Bulldogs, winning 9-1 and 5-4. The Raiders struck gold offensively and used the games to build momentum both at the plate and on the mound as a tune up for the busy weekend.

Shippensburg will host Mansfield for a doubleheader Tuesday at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. They will then play at Frostburg State at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Wednesday before hosting West Chester on Saturday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

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