Alice Lloyd Eagles softball splits with Ohio Christian University in pitchers duel

Pippa Passes, KY: The Alice Lloyd College Lady Eagles softball team (20-14) returned to play on Thursday, April 17th, when they hosted the Ohio Christian University Trailblazers (8-18) in a twin bill. Pitching ruled in two hard-fought contests as the clubs split the series.  

Game 1

Alice Lloyd-2; OCU-0

ALC pitcher Maleigh McDaniel threw a 4-hit shutout to boost the hosts in the opener.

The scoring started in the Eagle first when Rachel Rife (LF) was hit by a pitch and eventually advanced to third on a grounder. Later, a wild pitch would allow her to scamper home and give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the third, Mckenzie Orfield (C) smacked a double. She would later score on Arin Rife's (DP) grounder. Now, the Caney Creek crew led 2-0.

From there, McDaniel took contol as she only allowed a pair of singles to the Trailblazers the remainder of the game. Although the Ohio squad would manage a single in their last-at-bat, the ace Eagle pitcher induced a harmless grounder to seal the victory for the home crew.

At the plate, Chloe Taylor (2B) provided 2 hits for her squad while A. Rife provided a RBI.

On the mound, McDaniel was impressive, She went the distance, allowing only 4 hits and 0 earned runs with 3 K's.

The victors led in hits (7-4), and the contest was error-free.

GAME 2

Alice Lloyd- 1; OCU-2

Three crucial errors led to a late-game rally, permiting OCU to squeak out a win.

In the bottom of inning two, ALC placed two runners on via walks. A single by Taylor would then enable a runner to race home for a 1-0 lead.

From there, things remained unchanged until the sixth. In that inning, the Buckeye club used a single, double, and a pair of Eagle errors to grab a pair of scores. Suddenly, Ohio led, 2-1.

The Pippa Passes posse went down in the sixth, but looked to rally in the seventh. In their final at-bat, they would place a pair of runners on base with one out, and look to complete a comeback. Unfortunately for the home fans in attendence, OCU's pitcher would invoke a flyout and strikeout to end the festivities.

Taylor would provide 2 hits and Orfield 1, but these would be the only hits their squad could muster.

On the mound, A. Rife deserved a better fate. She allowed only 2 hits and 0 earned runs in 5 innings while striking out 8 batters. She was relieved by Kirsten Vice, who had a little bad-luck, allowing 2 hits and 2 runs to take the loss. She whiffed 1. Kinna Justice threw the final inning, giving up a solo hit with 0 runs.

The home team was outhit, 5-3, but a 3-0 deficit in errors proved to be the difference-maker.