MANSFIELD, Pa. – Anastasia Berardi left the yard twice to lead the Mansfield University softball team in their home opener at Helen Lutes Field, but Kutztown University spoiled the afternoon with a 7-2, 14-2 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) sweep on Monday afternoon, April 3.
 
In game one, Kutztown scored three runs in the top of the first inning and carried that advantage until the bottom of the third when Berardi picked up her first RBI of the day with an RBI-single, plating Melissa Demo.
 
Kutztown answered with two runs in the top of the fourth, but Berardi's first big fly of the day, a solo shot in the bottom of the fifth, cut the Mountie deficit back to 5-2.
 
However, that was the final Mountaineer run of the contest and the Golden Bears added two insurance runs in the top of the seventh to secure the victory.
 
Berardi finished 3-for-3 with a home run and two RBI, while Caydence Macik added two hits to lead MU's offense.
 
Mountaineer game one starting pitcher Danielle Goff (5-6) battled through seven innings in the losing effort, allowing seven runs on nine hits, while striking out four.
 
For the Golden Bears, Amanda Slabicki and Sarah Harvey combined for seven innings pitched, limiting the Mounties to a pair of runs on nine hits. Seven different hitters drove in runs.
 
In the nightcap, the Golden Bears used a slow and steady approach to build a 4-0 lead through 3 and ½ innings, but Berardi blasted a two-run shot in the bottom of the fourth to trim the Mountaineer deficit to 5-2.
 
However, KU hit around in the top of the fifth, scoring nine runs on nine hits to go back ahead 14-2 on their way to a run-rule victory.
 
Berardi drove in two runs with a home run and Demo added two hits to lead the Mounties' offense. Annabella Putnam (3-7) landed the loss in the circle.
 
Sarah Harvey led the Golden Bears' offense with three hits, including a homer and two RBIs. Natalee Harvey earned the victory for KU, limiting the Mounties to a pair of runs in five innings of work.
 
NEXT UP
The Mounties travel to East Stroudsburg University tomorrow, April 4 for a 2 p.m. PSAC East doubleheader.