LHU Softball splits PSAC opener at Mansfield
MANSFIELD – The red-hot Lock Haven softball team returned to action Wednesday afternoon by traveling to Mansfield for its 2025 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division opener. The Bald Eagles fell 4-1 in game one before taking the nightcap 9-5.
The Haven improves to 7-5 overall and 1-1 in the PSAC East. Mansfield moves to 3-7 on the season and 1-1 in the PSAC East.
Lock Haven has won five of its last six games and entered the week on a four-game win streak.
Game 2: Lock Haven 9, Mansfield 5
In game two, the Bald Eagles had their offense rolling as they hit two bases-clearing triples and a solo home run.
Keri Wesneski jumped started Lock Haven’s offense with a bases-clearing triple in the top half of the second inning and the Bald Eagles never trailed from there.
Maria Fratangelo went 2-for-4 with a double and a triple, including clearing the bases with a three-bagger in the top of the sixth inning to provide insurance runs for The Haven.
Madison Melius connected on her second home run of the season, while Riley Best (2-for-4) also added an RBI.
Mansfield scored five runs over four innings, but The Haven offense proved to be too much.
Abby Robertson started the game in the circle and went three innings, allowing three runs on three hits and striking out two batters. Wesneski (2-0) came in relief in the fourth, and pitcher the final four innings to earn the victory. Wesneski allowed two runs on seven hits and struck out one batter.
Game 1: Mansfield 4, Lock Haven 1
It was a pitching duel throughout the game as both pitchers went the distance, but Mansfield struck first with a run in the third before putting the game away with three runs in the bottom of the sixth.
Blaire Balestrini led the Bald Eagles at the dish by going 2-for-3, including belting a solo homer in the sixth inning.
After a complete game-shutout in her last start, Talia Ross (2-2) tossed six innings, gave up four runs on eight hits and struck out two batters.
Next up for The Haven:
The Bald Eagles will host Millersville in their 2025 home opener in a doubleheader on March 21 at 1 & 3 p.m.
