Box Scores: Game 1 / Game 2

Millersville, Pa. — Courtney Eckman and Brittany Peterson stifled Shippensburg hitters for the better part of two games, as the Millersville softball team dropped a 1-0 decision and then rebounded with a 4-3 win in its PSAC East home-opening doubleheader on Friday afternoon.

Peterson (6-3) pitched brilliantly in game one, keeping the Lady Raiders (13-11, 1-1 PSAC East) on their toes. The freshman tossed eight scoreless innings, but the Marauders (18-13, 1-3 PSAC East) ran into their own problems in Shippensburg pitcher Lori Knopf. Knopf wasn't overpowering, striking out one, but she allowed just three hits over nine innings.

Both teams had chances throughout the middle stages of game one. Millersville got its first two hitters on base in the fourth, but two fielder's choices and a groundout got Knopf out of the inning. MU then faced some adversity in the top of the sixth. Shippensburg loaded the bases with no outs, but Peterson avoided disaster by getting a fielder's choice, a strikeout, and a fly out to escape the jam.

Ship would finally break through in the top of the ninth when Abby Block doubled home Dana Ward to give the Lady Raiders a 1-0 lead and eventually the win.

Coach Kathy Cummings turned to the sophomore Eckman in game two and she did not disappoint. Eckman got some early run support, however, as the Marauders did all of their damage in the first two innings.

Kelly Fitzgerald got things started in the first. Her single into center field plated Lindsay Hosier and Shaina Briel. The Black and Gold extended the lead to 3-0 after scoring a run on an error. Briel would help the Marauders add to the lead in the second by taking Dana Ward's 2-out offering deep to left center field for her third home run of the season.

Eckman (7-4) kept the Lady Raiders at bay as goose egg after goose egg went up on the visitor's side of the scoreboard. The Lancaster, Pa. product threw a complete game, allowing just four hits and striking out two. The only blemish on Eckman's line was a solo home run hit by Courtney Steele in the top of the seventh.

The home run broke up Eckman's shutout bid, but the Marauders got the ever important win, their first in conference play. Briel finished game two 2-for-3 with two runs scored, as Millersville finally broke through against the Lady Raiders. MU had lost five in a row against Ship, including four one-run games.

Millersville will be back in action at home on Saturday afternoon. Saturday's doubleheader with West Chester was originally scheduled to start at 1 p.m., but due to the potential for bad weather tomorrow afternoon, the start time has been pushed up to a noon start.