WILKES-BARRE, PA (March 26, 2024) -- Jessica Perella and Paige Bergan paced the offensive efforts in the 5-3 game-one win, but the King's College softball team faced a tough task in the night cap, falling 5-0, to the visiting Muhlenberg College on Tuesday afternoon in non-conference play at the Softball Field at Betzler. With the split, the Monarchs stand at 9-7 overall, while the Mules improved to 13-6.
 
Game 1 – W, 5-3:
King's (9-7) got hits from Perella and Bergan in the first two innings, and Muhlenberg (13-6) put one on in the second. It was the Mules to strike first in the non-conference affair, scoring twice on three hits in the top of the third to go up, 2-0.
 
Perella recorded her second hit of the day in the bottom of the third, but it was not until the fourth that the Monarchs made their comeback. Harley Sullivan and Bergan hit back-to-back singles to shallow left field to put two on with no outs. A one-out walk from Colleen Shuler loaded the bases, and Nina Anzalone was hit by a pitch to plate the first run for King's in the game. A fielder's choice from Breanna Goldspiel and consecutive two-out singles from Perella and Ellie Higdon brought home the remaining four runs in the frame as the Monarchs jumped ahead, 5-2.
 
The Mules chipped away at the deficit in the top of the fifth, scoring one off three hits to cut the King's lead to 5-3. Both defenses settled in down the stretch as there were just three base runners and no hits recorded in the final frames as King's secured the 5-3 win in the opener over Muhlenberg.
 
Perella led the offense as she went 3-for-4 with two RBIs, while Bergan added a 2-for-3 effort with a run. Maura Furst threw a solid 4.2 innings of work to secure the win, giving up three earned runs, while Brandi McIntosh recorded her first save of the season in the final 2.1 innings, holding the Mules scoreless and without a hit.
 
Skyla Campisi led Muhlenberg as she went 2-for-4. Raya Kunes earned the loss as the starter, throwing the first 3.1 innings and allowing five earned runs on five hits.
 
Game 2 – L, 0-5:
The nightcap was a defensive battle through the first two innings before Muhlenberg opened the game in the top of the third. The Mules exploded for a four-run third off three hits as they jumped ahead, 4-0.
 
The efforts of Brandi McIntosh and the Monarchs defense limited Muhlenberg to three hits in the final frames, but the King's bats could not get past a veteran-pitcher in Justine Bergara as the Monarchs dropped the second contest, 5-0, on Tuesday afternoon at Betzler Field.
 
Courtney Grogan was given the loss as the starter, throwing the first 2.1 innings and giving up four earned runs on five hits. McIntosh threw well for the second game in relief, allowing just one earned run on three hits and striking out three.
 
Peri Kahn paced the Mules offense, going 3-for-4 with a double, a run, and an RBI, while Bergara picked up her eighth win in the complete-game effort.
 
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King's will set their sights on a MAC Freedom doubleheader on the road at Misericordia University on Thursday afternoon. First pitch of the contests is set for 2:00 p.m. in Dallas, Pa.