READING, Pa. - The Gallaudet University softball faced a tough task here Sunday as the Bison went up against the United East Conference leader Penn St.-Berks. In the end, the Nittany Lions swept the visiting Bison 2-0 and 10-4 at Hintz Athletic Field.

Gallaudet (11-19, 5-11 United East) was limited to three hits in the first game and scored four runs on eight hits in the second game.

Penn St.-Berks (17-5, 12-2 United East) celebrated its Senior Day and turned to senior pitcher Briana Smith (10-3), who tossed back-to-back victories. Smith threw a complete game shutout in the first game and came on in relief in the second game.

Freshman pitcher Christina Elsbury (Uniontown, Pa.) matched Smith as Elsbury went the distance in the first game as she allowed two runs on eight hits. Elsbury was called on to relieve freshman pitcher Lou Cherena (El Paso, Texas), who started and logged one inning before Elsbury came on to throw the final five innings.

In the second game, GU scored four runs in the top of the fourth to cut the Penn St.-Berks lead to three, 7-4. The Nittany Lions added three more runs in the bottom of the sixth to place the game out of reach.

Junior Emma Giuntoli (Austin, Texas) had a two-run double in the fourth and scored moments later on a double hit by junior Ariel Senics (Fishers, Ind.). Sophomore Caitlyn Smith (Indianapolis, Ind.) singled up the middle to plate Senics and cap the four-run fourth for the buff and blue.

UP NEXT
Gallaudet will travel back to Pennsylvania on Wednesday, April 19, as the Bison face Lancaster Bible College (7-17, 3-11 United East) for a 3 p.m. conference doubleheader.