Softball: Falcons Turn the Tables Late to Down Ephrata

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Falcons Turn the Tables Late to Down Ephrata

After losing to Penn Manor on Wednesday, Cedar Crest had a quick turnaround and a chance at redemption. The Falcons made the most of it Thursday, responding with a back-and-forth offensive effort and holding on late for a 12-10 victory over Ephrata.

Cedar Crest struck first in the bottom of the 1st when an Ephrata error allowed the game’s opening run to score.

Ephrata answered in the top of the 2nd on a sacrifice fly from Emily Ludwig, but the Falcons quickly moved back in front in the bottom half. Paige Vandett brought home a run on a groundout to make it 2-1.

The Mounts pulled even again in the top of the 3rd when Kylee Dunlap singled to center, but Cedar Crest answered with one of its biggest early innings in the bottom half. Kate Poorman doubled in 2 runs, Julia Cole added an RBI groundout, and Ava Rosario followed with an RBI double as the Falcons stretched the lead to 6-2.

After Cedar Crest added another run, Ephrata came storming back in the top of the 5th. The Mounts erupted for 8 runs on 5 hits to grab a 10-7 lead, with Emma Showalter delivering one of the biggest hits of the inning on a 2-run single. Ephrata also showed patience throughout the frame, helping fuel the rally with a series of walks.

But Cedar Crest had another answer waiting. In the bottom of the 6th, the Falcons flipped the game back in their favor by scoring 5 runs on 5 hits. Mia Lutz came through with a 2-run single, and Rosario later doubled home 2 more runs to break a 10-10 tie and put Cedar Crest back in front for good at 12-10.

Even with the lead back in hand, the Falcons still had work to do. Ephrata continued to battle and nearly erased the deficit, but Cedar Crest was able to survive the pressure and close out the high-scoring win.

At the plate, Rosario led the Falcons with 3 RBI from the 7 spot in the lineup while going 2-3. Jackie Funderburk, Elli Malinoski, and Rosario each collected 2 hits, helping Cedar Crest pile up 12 hits as a team. The Falcons also turned 2 double plays in the field, a major help in a game where every out mattered.

In the circle, Addison Nolen started and gave Cedar Crest 4 innings, allowing 6 hits and 4 runs, 3 earned. Lilly Annibalithen delivered a key relief outing, tossing 2 scoreless innings while allowing no hits and helping the Falcons finish it off.

Ephrata got 2 hits each from Showalter, Dunlap, and Jaelynn Bauder, while Showalter and Bauder each drove in 2 runs. The Mounts also showed a strong eye at the plate, drawing 7 walks, with Aldynne Snyder and Dunlap leading the way with 2 apiece.

Cedar Crest is now 4-3, matching its win total from last season. The Falcons will be back in action when they travel to Hempfield on Monday.

Cedar Crest 12, Ephrata 10

Cedar Crest Leaders

Jackie Funderburk: 2-5, 3 R, 2 2B
Ali Groff: 1-2, 2 R, RBI, HBP, 2 BB
Elli Malinoski: 2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI
Mia Lutz: 1-4, 2 R, 2 RBI
Kate Poorman: 1-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B
Julia Cole: 1-3, R, RBI, BB
Ava Rosario: 2-3, 3 RBI, 2 2B
Lilly Annibali: 1-1, RBI
Angie Orosco: 1-4

Cedar Crest Pitching
Addison Nolen: 4.0 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Kate Poorman: 0.0 IP, 0 H, 5 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 0 K
Ali Groff: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Lilly Annibali: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Ephrata Leaders

Emma Showalter: 2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI
Kylee Dunlap: 1-3, 2 R, 2B
Aldynne Snyder: 1-2, RBI, BB
Macy Banks: 1-3, RBI, BB
Olivia Sendenig: 1-3, 2 R, RBI, BB, 2B
Lexi Palmer: 1-4, R, RBI
Emily Ludwig: RBI
Olivia Kramer: 1-3, 2 R, RBI, BB, 3B
Jaelynn Bauder: 2-4, 2 RBI

Ephrata Pitching
Sophia Kramer: 5.0 IP, 8 H, 9 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Lexi Palmer: 1.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Last Game: Cedar Crest Bounces Back with 11-1 Road Win at Cocalico