Box Score

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mansfield Drops Nail-Biter to Concord

TROUTVILLE, VA – In the night cap of their second day at the West Virginia Wesleyan College Softball Challenge, Mansfield faced the University of Concord. Mansfield lost a tough 2-1 decision to the Lady Mountain Lions.

The contest would prove to be a pitching battle between Mansfield's Emily Crandell and Concord's Allie Reid. Both teams would remain scoreless for six innings. Between the two teams, there were only two hits by Concord's Lacey McDougall in the first inning and Alyssa Morris in the fourth inning.

The Mounties were able to get their bats going in the top of the sixth inning. Freshman Laura Lawson was able to break Mansfield's hitless streak with a single down the left field line. Stephanie Simmeth followed up Lawson with a single up the middle. However, both runners were left on base to keep the score at 0-0.

Jessica Seymour started the bottom of the sixth inning for Concord with a lead-off single to left center. Seymour reached home off of McDougall RBI double to left field and put the Lady Mountain Lions up 1-0. Morris kept the rally going for Concord with a RBI single to right center to make the score 2-0. With runners on first and second, Ashley Inman was called to the mound to relieve Crandell. After walking Carly DiVirgilio, Inman was able to get out of a bases loaded situation to keep the Mounties within fighting distance of Concord.

In the top of the seventh, Kate Pratt started off the Mounties with a lead-off double to left field. The senior came in to score and put the Mounties on the board off of a fielding error. With the score a mere 2-1, Mansfield had senior Kaitlyn Harris on first base because of a fielder's choice with one out on the board. Amanda Goodwin moved Harris into scoring position off of a sacrifice bunt. Unfortunately for the Mounties, their rally came a little too late, and the game ended on a groundout to Concord shortstop Lauren Lewis.

Mansfield's loss brought their overall record to 5-2 while Concord improved to 13-5.

Concord's Reid (7-1) was credited with the win while Crandell (1-2) picked up the loss for Mansfield. Crandell ended the game with five strikeouts.

Mansfield was led at the plate by Pratt (1-3, one run), Simmeth (1-3), and Lawson (1-2).

The Mounties will conclude their last day in Virginia against the University of Charleston at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow Mar. 16.