Pittsburgh, PA- The Alfred State Softball team split in double-header against conference opponents, the Carlow Celtics. The Pioneers advance to a 11-16 overall record, sitting with a 6-7 mark in conference play.
 
Game one:
 
ASC struck, grabbing a 1-0 lead in the opening inning when Nicole Youngberg drilled a triple to center to bring home Trinity Scott. Carlow answered quickly in the second, taking advantage of a throwing error, 3-1. The Pioneers the third with a surge started by an Abbie Millard RBI single and a sac fly from Youngberg to tie the game 3-3. Back-to-back hits from Liana Dion and Jordyn Colvin capped a four-run inning giving the Pios a 5-3 advantage.
 
The bottom of the inning saw the Celtics pile on nine runs to seize a solid 12-5 lead. ASC managed to grab an unearned run in the fifth, but Carlow added an insurance run in the sixth, sealing the victory 14-6.
 
Game two:
 
Sophia Petrie threw an impressive seven inning game in the circle, recording eight strikeouts on the day. Multiple Pioneers put up hits throughout game two, proving their offensive capabilities.
 
Carlow stuck first in the opening inning, grabbing a singular run. Alfred State quickly answered in the second as Ariel Main delivered a sharp single down the left-field line to bring home Dion to even the score 1-1. The game settled into a tight defensive battle until the fifth, when ASC broke through again. Youngberg punched a single through the left side, scoring Scott and putting them ahead 2-1.
 
Youngberg came up big once more in the seventh, driving a ball to center for another RBI single and taking second on the throw. Moments later, Dion doubled to left, bringing home Youngberg and stretching the lead to 4-1. Petrie along with strong defense, shut the door in the bottom of the seventh to secure the win 4-1.
 
The Pioneers head into the final week of conference play as they host Hilbert this Tuesday for a double-header.