GLENVILLE — In a high-scoring affair at the Sue Morris Sports Complex, the Gannon Golden Knights (1-0) stormed back from an early deficit to defeat West Virginia Wesleyan (2-5) by a score of 10-7. Powered by a seven-run fifth inning, Gannon capitalized on timely hitting and a strong relief performance from pitcher Maggie Lenda to secure the victory in their season opener.
The game began with a bang, as Emma Smerick put Gannon on the board with a leadoff solo home run to deep right field in the first inning. Wesleyan responded with four runs in the bottom half of the frame, fueled by RBI hits from Ella Fournier, Gracie Arnold, Rhiannon Godley, and Kendall Stoffel to take a commanding 4-1 lead.
In the second, Gannon chipped away at the deficit as Maddie Krause doubled home a run to make it 4-2, but Wesleyan answered with a solo home run from Andie Dizon, pushing the lead to 5-2.
After a quiet third and fourth inning, Gannon’s bats erupted in the fifth. The Golden Knights put up seven runs on seven hits, taking control of the game. Jenna Clontz delivered a crucial two-run double, followed by another two-RBI double from Bella Atherton. Krause and Ashley Fox also drove in runs as the Golden Knights flipped a 5-2 deficit into a 9-5 lead.
Wesleyan attempted to mount a response in the bottom of the fifth, plating two runs on a RBI single from Sam Carlin and a groundout by Lynzee Hague, but Lenda managed to limit the damage and preserve a 9-7 advantage.
Gannon added an insurance run in the seventh, scoring on a wild pitch to extend the lead to 10-7. Lenda then shut the door in the bottom of the seventh, retiring the final three batters to secure the complete-game victory. She finished with eight strikeouts while allowing 14 hits, but showed resilience in key moments.
- Key Performers
- Gannon:
- Emma Smerick: 2-for-4, HR, 2 R, RBI
- Jenna Clontz: 2-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI
- Bella Atherton: 1-for-2, 2B, 2 RBI, BB
- Maggie Lenda: 7.0 IP, 14 H, 7 R (3 ER), 8 K
- West Virginia Wesleyan:
- Andie Dizon: 3-for-4, HR, RBI
- Sam Carlin: 2-for-4, RBI, SB
- Gracie Arnold: 1-for-4, 2B, RBI
- Kendall Stoffel: 4.1 IP, 5 ER, 5 K
Bluefield State Stops Wesleyan in Wild Finish
In a back-and-forth battle that featured explosive offensive bursts and late-inning drama, Bluefield State rallied in the bottom of the sixth to defeat West Virginia Wesleyan by a score of 9-7.
Despite trailing for much of the game, Bluefield State capitalized on key defensive miscues and clutch hitting in the late innings to surge past the Bobcats. Jackie Sandy was dominant in relief, shutting down Wesleyan’s offense over the final three frames to secure the win.
The Bobcats struck first in the top of the first inning when Andie Dizon ripped an RBI single to bring home Gracie Arnold, who had reached on an error. Moments later, a wild pitch allowed another run to score, giving the Bobcats a 2-0 lead.
Bluefield State erupted for four runs in the bottom of the frame. Paige Whittington led off with a triple before coming home on an error. Lauryn DeGuzman laced an RBI double down the left-field line, and Janessah Nappi added an RBI single as the Big Blue quickly took a 4-2 lead.
After both teams exchanged scoreless innings, Wesleyan’s offense broke out in the top of the fourth. With the bases loaded, Hallie Dinklocker reached on a fielder’s choice, bringing home two runs thanks to a defensive miscue. Dizon and Ella Fournier followed up with RBI singles, fueling a five-run outburst that put the Bobcats ahead 7-5.
Bluefield State clawed one run back in the bottom of the fifth when La’Naeyah Ayers drove in Nappi with a single, cutting the deficit to 7-6.
With just six outs remaining, Wesleyan appeared to be in control. However, defensive struggles opened the door for Bluefield State. A routine ground ball resulted in an error, allowing Mikaylah Chimara to score and tie the game at 7-7. Moments later, Nappi came through with an RBI single, giving the Big Blue the lead.
The chaos continued as Lexi Shadowens raced home on a wild pitch, capping off a three-run frame that put Bluefield State ahead 9-7.
Needing two runs to extend the game, Wesleyan managed to get two runners aboard in the seventh with singles from Arnold and Alyssa Rohr. However, Sandy held her ground, forcing Dizon to fly out to right field for the final out, sealing the comeback victory.
- Key Performers
- Bluefield State
Lauryn DeGuzman: 3-for-4, 2B, RBI, 2 R
Janessah Nappi: 3-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 R
Paige Whittington: 2-for-4, 3B, R
Jackie Sandy (W, 2-3): 3.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K - West Virginia Wesleyan (11 H, 7 R)
Andie Dizon: 3-for-5, 2B, 2 RBI
Ella Fournier: 2-for-3, RBI, BB
Lynzee Hague: 1-for-2, 2 BB, R, SB
Josi Fix (L, 0-3): 5.1 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
