MAY 6, 2017

KING'S SOFTBALL DOWNS WILKES 9-1 IN FREEDOM CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT OPENER

DOYLESTOWN -- The third-seeded King's College softball team posted a 9-1 victory over second-seeded Wilkes University in the opening game of the MAC Freedom Conference Tournament Saturday at Delaware Valley University in Doylestown.

With the win King's improved to 18-17 on the year and moved into the 2:15 PM second-round pairing with top-seeded Manhattanville, which defeated Misericordia 8-0 in five innings in the other opening-round pairing. Wilkes slipped to 24-15 and will face Misericoria at 4:00 PM in an elimination game.

King's took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Rachael DeTore tripled and then scored on a wild pitch. The Monarchs added three more runs in the second inning when Ally DeVoir singled and moved to third on a single by Amber Saylor. Samantha Bloom grounded out to second to drive in DeVoir. Lexi Wolk then doubled in Saylor and then scored on two Wilkes throwing errors to push the King's lead to 4-0.

In the sixth inning Megan Beaupre singled and moved to second on an infield out. Taylor Norris delivered a RBI double to extend the lead to 5-0. After Alizabeth Ellsworth singled, DeVoir doubled to drive in two runs to make it a 7-0 lead.

Wilkes added run in the bottom of the sixth when Celine Podlesney singled and pinch runner Halye Lussier later scored from third on a sacrifice fly by Haley Welker.

In the top of the seventh Wolk singled, moved to second on a bunt by Megan Beaupre and advanced to third on a fielder's choice, allowing DeTore to reach base. Norris then stroked a RBi single to score Wolk and moved DeTore to second. Ellsworth followed up with a RBI singled to plate DeTore for a 9-1 lead. After Brittany McNair walked to load the bases. King's starting pitcher Bloom kept Wilkes off the board the rest of the way as  the Monarchs walked away with the victory.

Wolk was 3-for-4 with with two doubles and two runs scored while Norris finished 3-for-4 with a double and two RBI. DeVoir went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI while Saylor was 2-for-4. DeTore also added her 100th career hit with her triple. King's had 14 base hits in the game. Bloom tossed a complete-game four hitter, striking out three batters.

Podlesney led Wilkes by going 2-for-3 while Sarah Gibson and Christina Gambino had one hit apiece.