The Malone University softball team swept Ursuline College in conference play this afternoon. The first game was won by a score of 4-3. Game two was a 3-2 win where the Pioneers plated two in the bottom of the seventh to seal the victory.
 
Malone now holds a record of 9-5 overall, 3-1 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, and Ursuline falls to 5-15 on the season, 0-2 in the conference.
 
Game One Recap:
The Pioneers got on the board in the bottom of the second inning, scoring four runs in the frame. Back-to-back singles by Serena Tucciarelli and April Howser put runners on first and third for pitcher Kelsey Byers. Byers hit a sacrifice fly to center field to score Tucciarelli.
 
A single by Emily Betts and fielding error for Ursuline put two runners in scoring position, and Nicole Ferrara kept Malone's foot on the gas with a two RBI triple to left. Madison Corrick smacked a double to center field to plate a run and give Malone a 4-0 advantage.
 
Over the next three innings, freshman pitcher Kelsey Byers would only surrender one hit and keep Ursuline with a goose egg in the runs column.
 
The Arrows showed life in the sixth and scored three runs on four straight hits to start the inning to make it a one-run game. After a mound visit, Byers was able to stay composed and Malone got out of the inning with the lead still, 4-3. Ursuline went down 1-2-3 in the seventh, with a groundout to the shortstop and a pair of strikeouts.
 
Nicole Ferrara went 1-for-2 with two RBIs and a run scored, April Howser hit 2-for-3 with a run scored, and Madison Corrick batted 1-for-3 with an RBI.
 
In the circle, Kelsey Byers threw a complete game, giving up three runs and striking out eight.
 
Game Two Recap:
After a scoreless first, the Arrows threatened to cross the plate in the second. With runners on second and third, Ursuline tried to score on a swinging bunt, but Kelsey Byers gathered the ball going toward the third baseline and threw the runner out at the plate.
 
In the bottom half, Malone would squeak one across. Singles by Emily Betts and Morgan Sampsel put two runners on, and Nicole Ferrara's bat shined once again with an RBI single up the middle to give Malone a 1-0 lead.
 
Ursuline answered in the top of the third with a run of their own, stemming from a double, an error and a single.
 
The game would remain tied at one throughout the middle innings. In the top of the sixth, the Arrows found an opening and scored a run with two outs on an infield single.
 
Ursuline carried the 2-1 lead into the bottom of the seventh where the Pioneers would strike back. Ferrara hit a ball deep into right center field that ended with her sliding into second base.
 
Anissa Seese entered as a pinch runner and advanced to third on a Madison Corrick single. Corrick stole second as Erika Johnson was in the box and Johnson reached on a fielder's choice that scored the tying run from third. After the play, Corrick was standing on third and Johnson advanced to second on the throw to attempt to get the runner at home.
 
An intentional walk to Bailey Byers gave Serena Tucciarelli the opportunity to play hero. Tucciarelli poked one to the left side of the infield and the shortstop could not make a play on the ball, sending the Pioneers home victorious.
 
Designated player Nicole Ferarra went 2-for-3 (3-for-5 on the day with a single, double and triple) with an RBI and Emily Betts batted 1-for-2 with a run scored.
 
Kelsey Byers threw a complete game in the backend as well, extending her record to 8-1, scattering two runs and one walk with four strikeouts.
 
Up next:
Malone travels southwest to face Kentucky Wesleyan College and Trevecca Nazarene University in conference doubleheaders this weekend. The Pioneers play the Panthers of Kentucky Wesleyan on Friday, March 22 starting at 3 pm EST and match up with the Trevecca Nazarene Trojans on Saturday, March 23 starting at noon EST.