PITTSBURGH, Pa. (March 26) – The Waynesburg University softball team traveled to La Roche College for a Saturday doubleheader. The Yellow Jackets dropped the opener 9-4, before freshman Courtney Messenger pitched them to a 5-0 triumph in game two.
 
Waynesburg (6-12) was its own worst enemy at times in the opener, as the Jackets committed five defensive errors. However, Waynesburg was able to get off to a fast start thanks to two runs in the top of the first inning. Freshman shortstop Keri Renzler opened the scoring by singling in freshman third baseman Sabrina Stankus. Junior catcher Mackenzie Smith doubled in Renzler to make the score 2-0.
 
Unfortunately, La Roche (6-5), helped in part by the handful of Jacket errors, tallied the next nine runs over six innings to build a 9-2 advantage. Waynesburg picked up its final two runs of the opener on a pair of run-producing outs.
 
Freshman Cat Allstatt suffered the loss in the circle after allowing just four earned runs on 12 hits. She racked up eight strikeouts.
 
Five different Jackets recorded one hit each during the opener. Smith and freshman first baseman Alex Lawrence both doubled in the early contest.
 
Messenger scattered six hits, five of which were singles in game two. The first-year righty piled up nine strikeouts, while walking just one opposing hitter. She also scored a run in the top of the fourth.
 
Smith came up with the big hit of the late game, which was a two-run single in the fourth. Messenger, Stankus and senior left fielder Katey Potopenko connected on two hits each in the win.
 
Waynesburg returns to action on Tuesday, March 29, when it hosts Penn State Fayette for a home doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.