CHESTER, Pa. – The Arcadia softball earned a doubleheader sweep over MAC foe Widener Thursday by scores of 3-0 and 9-4, respectively.
The Knights (22-8, 10-2 MAC) extend their lead at the top spot of the conference standings.
Arcadia 3, Widener 0
Another pitching gem from Mary Pat Murray, and a stellar defensive effort, led the Knights to the game one victory.
A Tori Zangrilli solo home run in the second inning pushed the Knights out to the early 1-0 lead.
In the third, Alexis Burge singled back up the middle to plate Jackie Bilotti for AU's second run.
Julia Gessner capped the scoring in the sixth on a RBI single to left field to bring around Brooke Ward to secure the 3-0 victory.
Bilotti led the way offensively with three base hits, including a double, and a stolen base. Burge chipped in two base knocks and an RBI as well.
Murray (11-2) went the distance yet again for the Knights as she shut out the Pride, allowing five hits and striking out one.
Arcadia 9, Widener 4
11 hits, including home runs from Kristin Cancelliere and Hunter Schantz, helped Arcadia to a game two victory, and the sweep.
Widener tallied the games' first run on a fielder's choice in the first inning.
The Knights took the lead in the third on a Schantz three-run home run to center field to go in front, 3-1.
In the fourth, AU extended its advantage to 7-1 on a sacrifice fly from Alexa Vardiman and a three-run home run from Cancelliere.
The Pride got three runs back on a three-run shot of their own in the fifth to cut the deficit to 7-4.
AU responded with two runs in the seventh on RBI singles by Morgan Marchesani and Varidman to assure the 9-4 win.
Zangrilli paced the offense with three hits and two runs scored. Bilotti kicked in two hits as well. Cancelliere and Vardiman recorded three and two RBI games, respectively. Cancelliere walked twice also.
Scwind (8-5) picked up the complete game victory as she surrendered four runs on seven hits to go along with eight punch outs.
Softball has a quick turnaround as they return to the diamond Thursday at Rowan. First pitch in game one is set for 3 p.m.
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