Reading, Pa. (Apr. 19, 2017) - Widener University outlasted the Crusaders in game one of a MAC Commonwealth softball double-header at Alvernia University Wednesday afternoon, claiming an 8-7 win in the ninth inning.

With the game knotted at 7 in the top of the ninth, Olivia Rogers hit a double to right to score the game winner for the Pride.

Widener capitalized on a series of Alvernia miscues in the first two innings, establishing a 6-0 advantage by the top of the third. The Pride tacked on another run in the top of the sixth for a 7-0 margin.

Alvernia found its rhythm at the plate in the bottom half of the frame, posting a 7-spot. Senior Brianna DePriest bookended the inning, leading things off with a double. A single to third by JoAnnah Lim gave the Crusaders runners at the corners before Lim swiped second to put her and DePriest in scoring position.

With two outs, pinch hitter Amanda Turner drove a single down the left field line to plate both runners and cut the deficit 7-2. Mckenzie Miessau then roped a single through the middle to bring around pinch runner Bernadette Carey and advance Morgan Psiuk to third, who reached via walk. 

Psiuk was quickly brought in on an Analise Fouracre single, leaving Miessau and Fouracre on base for Taylor Thomas. Down by three, Thomas pushed the ball up the middle to plate Miessau and bring the Crusaders with two. 

DePriest picked up where she left off, ripping a triple to right to score Fouracre and Thomas and square the game, 7-7.

The Crusaders put runners in scoring position in the 7th and 8th innings, but were unable to convert the run.

Riley Shields, Brittany Brown and Samantha Petry all appeared on the mound for Alvernia in game one. 

In the nightcap, the game was halted at the end of the sixth inning due to darkness. The two teams were in a 4-4 tie. 

After pulling ahead 1-0 in the first on a Pride error, the Crusaders found themselves trailing 4-1 entering the bottom of the 5th. 

Thomas started the frame with a single and advanced to second on a DePriest walk. Bystrycki then loaded the bags with a base knock, and Thomas cut the deficit to two on an RBI single by Turner. 

A wild pitch by Widener's Ally Horvath allowed Bystrycki to score, and Psiuk delivered the game-tying shot to center to lock the game at 4-4.

The continuation date of game two is still to be determined. 

Analise Fouracre had a day for Alvernia at the plate, going 5-for-7. Amanda Turner was 2-for-4 with 3 RBI, 

The Crusaders return to action on Saturday, hosting Stevenson University at 1:00 pm.