WILKES-BARRE, PA (March 22, 2023) -- Kiersten Krouse went 5-for-7 on the afternoon, while Emily Novicki pitched the shutout in game two as the King's College softball team split with Alfred University in the non-conference contests at Betzler Field on Wednesday afternoon. With the outcomes, the Monarchs improve to 7-5, while the Saxons stand at 2-6.
 
Game 1 – L, 1-3:
The opener was a defensive battle through the first three innings. Each team put up a pair of hits in the stretch, but the defenses held steady to go into the fourth inning still scoreless. Alfred (2-6) broke the stalemate in the top of the fourth as Jessica Remm doubled to center and was driven in on a single to right center from Mya Wells to give the Saxons the 1-0 advantage.
 
King's (7-5) had a similar outcome in the bottom of the inning as Harley Sullivan led off with a double to right field and advanced during Ellie Higdon's at bat to set up an RBI single through the right side from Megan Mitola to tie the contest at 1-1.
 
The Monarchs defense retired all three batters in the fifth, but the Saxons would come alive in the top of the sixth thanks to a two-run home run from Abigail Gatza to give Alfred the 3-2 advantage heading into the bottom of the sixth.
 
King's put runners on in both the sixth and the seventh innings, but the Saxons pitching and defense held steady to hand the Monarchs the 3-1 loss in the opener.
 
Kiersten Krouse had a stellar performance at the plate in game one, going 3-for-3, while five other Monarchs put up hits in the loss. Courtney Grogan was strong in the circle for King's, allowing just one earned run on seven hits with four strikeouts.
 
Ashley Lugo paced the Saxons as she went 2-for-3, while Jessica Remm scored twice. Megan Bennett picked up the win in the complete game, allowing the lone earned run while giving up eight hits.
 
Game 2 – W, 1-0:
The teams continued the defensive intensity in game two, but the Monarchs were able to capitalize on a leadoff single in the bottom of the first from Kiersten Krouse. After stealing second, a Saxon throwing error brought in Krouse with two outs to put King's ahead, 1-0, early.
 
Each team had their fair share of opportunities to plate a few more runs and shift the momentum in the contest, but a pitching duel commenced the defenses held steady as King's secured the 1-0 win in the second game of the non-conference doubleheader.
 
The Monarchs were led again by Kiersten Krouse who went 2-for-4 with a run, while both Kara Krouse and Colleen Shuler also posted hits in the win. Emily Novicki picked up her third win of the season in the complete-game effort, holding Alfred scoreless with seven strikeouts.
 
Jessica Remm had a strong appearance in game two, going 3-for-4 with a double. Arden Hatch was awarded the loss in 6.0 innings of work, giving up the lone run off four hits.
 
--
 
King's softball will return to Betzler Fielder on Sunday afternoon as they are set to host Stockton University in the non-conference doubleheader. Action is set to begin at 1:00 p.m. in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.