Game 1 Box Score

Game 2 Box Score

Millersville, Pa. — Janelle Mrakovich's arm and bat led the way as the Millersville softball team opened its home schedule in style on Monday afternoon picking up a pair of victories over Philadelphia University at the Millersville University Softball Field.

In game one, it was the visiting Rams (0-2) that jumped out to a 2-0 lead after two innings. After starting the frame with a single and a walk, Philadelphia U. got another single from Kelly Rauco, but Marauders' center fielder Ally Homa gunned down Kristyn Lougherty at the plate to keep the game scoreless. That would not be the case for long, as Sara Romano scored on a wild pitch by Mrakovich. Kayla Czuprynski then doubled to right field driving in the Rams' second run of the inning.

Millersville (5-7) answered with three runs in the home half of the fifth. Senior Trisha Johnson got the rally started with a triple to lead off the inning and was then driven in on an RBI single by Homa. Philadelphia U. changed pitchers, but the Marauders continued to reach base. Lindsay Hosier reached on a bunt and Shaina Briel walked to load the bases. Homa tied the game when a failed pickoff attempt by Ram catcher Ali Glaser went into left field.

Mrakovich would give the Black and Gold its first lead of the day, 3-2, on an RBI ground out. The senior from Middletown looked poised to wrap up the win, quickly disposing of Rauco in the seventh. Lindsay White broke up Mrakovich's plans though, tripling to right field. White scored on a Czuprynski single to knot the game at three.

The Marauders were not about to lose their home opener, however. After surrendering the tying run in the top of the seventh, the home team went to work in the bottom of the inning. Casey Coker's lead-off double put the winning run in scoring position. Two batters later, Amy Kossyk beat out an infield single that moved Coker to third. Coker then crossed the plate for the win when Samantha Jackson reached on an error.

Mrakovich took the win in the dramatic victory for Millersville, throwing a complete game and striking out four. Randi Wosniak took the loss for Philadelphia U. Hosier, Coker, and Kossyk all recorded multi-hit games for the Marauders.

In game two, the Millersville bats started to show some pop. Philadelphia U. quickly jumped out to a lead, this time 3-0 after an inning of play. MU, however, responded soon thereafter. The Marauders got three in the second. Briel drew a bases loaded walk and Mrakovich singled in two runs to deadlock the game.

MU picked up another run in the third thanks to a sacrifice fly from Hosier that plated Sarah Ernesto.

Millersville would break the game open, holding a 9-3 lead after six innings. The Marauders were able to score three runs in the fifth and two in the sixth.  Mrakovich cleared the bases in the fifth with a three-RBI double, giving her five RBIs in the game. It marks the first time an MU player has recorded five RBIs or more in a game since Briel, Coker, and Jill Golomboski accomplished the feat on Mar. 25, 2008 against Lincoln (Pa.).

Emily Flieger started for the Marauders, but lasted just 0.1 innings. Freshman Brittany Peterson pitched the final 6.2 innings giving up just one earned run on four hits. Peterson also struck out a pair of Rams. Ali Schmidt took the loss, walking eight MU batters in the process.

Mrakovich finished the game 3-for-4 with the game-high five RBIs. Hosier was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs in the victory, while Ally Homa also went 2-for-3 with two runs scored.

The Marauders are back in action on Wednesday afternoon when they take on Georgian Court on their home field. The doubleheader starts at 2 p.m.