LANCASTER, Pa.- The Franklin & Marshall softball team (7-16, 2-4 Centennial) lost both games to non-conference opponent Alvernia on Thursday evening. The Diplomats lost, 2-0, in game one before coming up a run short in a 6-5 defeat to conclude the doubleheader.

Game One

Alvernia scattered two runs across the third and seventh innings while keeping F&M to four hits to win the first game of the day.

Kate DelGrippo pitched a complete game, giving up just one earned run on seven hits and two walks with four strikeouts. Alexa Klepper reached base safely three times, going 2-for-3 with a walk and one stolen base. 

Alvernia loaded the bases on an infield error and a pair of walks before DelGrippo stranded all three by drawing a popout and flyout. F&M was also unable to make use of runners in scoring position in the bottom of the first.

Following an up-and-down second inning, Alvernia got two runner on base to kick off the third inning. They brought one run home on a sacrifice fly before a lineout and flyout stranded a runner in scoring position, but the visitors earned a 1-0 advantage.

The next runner to get into scoring position for either side came in the bottom of the fifth when Klepper singled and stole second base with two outs, although a groundout ended the inning. F&M was also unable to make use of a Nora Sidorski single and Sophia Noriega walk in the bottom of the sixth, leaving two runners on base.

Alvernia rallied for an insurance run in the top of the seventh, stringing together a pair of two-out singles before making use of an infield error from F&M for a 2-0 lead. The Diplomats were retired in order in the bottom of the seventh. 

Game Two

Alvernia broke a 5-5 stalemate on a wild pitch in the top of the seventh to complete a sweep.

Klepper led the offense by going 2-for-3 with two RBI, one walk, and one run scored, Erika Stewart was 2-for-3 with a walk and third runs scored. Kate Clement recorded two singles and Ellie LoPiccolo had one double. 

The Diplomats scored one run in the first inning following a leadoff single from Stewart. Clement laid down a successful sacrifice bunt to the left side, and Stewart spotted an unguarded third base to get within 60 feet of the plate. Klepper brought her home with a single up the middle.

LoPiccolo doubled with one out in the second inning and reached third base on an error in the outfield. On the next at-bat, she was caught out in a rundown trying to break for the plate. Ayla Steinberg reached second base on the fielder's choice, and a Claire Sullivan single to left field scored a second run.

Alvernia stormed back to life in the third inning, scoring four runs on four hits, including a two-out, two-RBI double to claim a 4-2 lead. The Diplomats drew level in the bottom of the fifth, getting runners on the corners with just one out. A Jaden Spigner single scored one run, while Catie Kozub tied the game with an RBI groundout to the left side. 

Alvernia took a short-lived lead with one run in the top of the sixth following a two-out walk and a double to right-center field. F&M tied things up once again, as Stewart singled and stole second base with two outs. Clement singled to put runners on the corners, while Klepper singled to tie the game at 5-5. A flyout sent the game into the seventh.

The Golden Wolves' leadoff runner walked an stole second base, while a groundout put the go-ahead run on third base with one out. The next batter was hit and reached second on defensive indifference. Down to two outs, a wild pitch allowed the winning run to cross the plate, although a lineout left the bases loaded with a one-run deficit heading into the bottom of the frame.

LoPiccolo walked with two outs, then Gabby Mundy advanced her into scoring position with a pinch-hit single. A popout ended the game with the tying run on second base.

F&M is slated to travel to McDaniel on Saturday, April 12, at 1:00 p.m. for a pair of Centennial Conference games.