MANSFIELD – Mansfield softball split Saturday after scoring three runs in the final inning for a walk-off win over IUP at Helen Lutes Field.
 
Mansfield (6-5, 4-2 PSAC C) dropped game one 9-5 before coming back for an exciting 3-2 win over Indiana (7-9, 1-3 PSAC C) to end the night.
 
Mountaineers wasted no time in game one, scoring five runs to the Crimson Hawk's one in the first three innings. Starting pitcher Arianna Young allowed just three hits in as many frames. Rachael Sterner started the Mounties off in a powerful fashion dealing a two-run homer over right center field in the first.
 
Melanie Taylor began the second inning in almost the same manner as her double bounced just short of the fence out in center field. Deshae Jones and Joelle Snyder each singled working Taylor home before a Koryn Wickwire single plated Jones.
 
IUP finally put their mark on the board Lauren Goetz rounded the bases after getting on board with a single through the left side. Taylor Chidester responded vigorously with her first home run of the season at the bottom of the third.
 
Despite Mansfield's momentous first innings, IUP rattled back with four runs in the fourth to tie the game before sealing the Mounties' fate at 9-5. The Mountaineers were held to just two hits in the remainder of the game as Brooklyn Kotula took the win with two strikeouts and six walks.
 
Snyder went 2-for-2 at bat while Taylor added two hits including a double. Both teams went yard with two home runs each.
 
In the finale, both sides could only total three hits through the first three innings of play. IUP broke up the scoreless tie in the second inning before adding a second run in the fourth. Renee Wall scored both runs for the Hawks advancing on Amanda Parrish singles each time.
 
The Mountaineers would total just four hits in the first six innings before they turned up the heat in the ultimate frame.
 
In the top of the seventh, Mansfield put on their rally caps as Pearce, Anastasia Hester, and Taylor all got on board with three consecutive singles. Pearce would score on Alli McGovern's fly ball to center field in the next play. With two outs, Snyder stepped up to the plate and drilled a double to right center sending both runners home in a climatic 3-2 win.
 
Snyder led offensively with two hits – both doubles – and two RBIS. Taylor added her second double leading 3-of-4 on the day. Sierra Storm earned her fourth win totaling two strikeouts, six hits, and two walks in seven inning of work. Megan Risinger took the loss.
 
Mansfield continues a stand at home hosting Lock Haven tomorrow. First pitch of the PSAC Central doubleheader is set for 2:30 p.m.