Cleary Stalls Against Siena Heights

(Howell, MI)-- The Cleary Cougars softball team had their chances, but could never really get things going, as the visiting Siena Heights Saints took both games in a WHAC double-header on Thursday afternoon at Lake Trust Stadium.

In Game 1:  After Siena Heights scored in the first inning, Cleary responded in the 2nd.  Izzy Easton led off the inning, and advanced to second on a fielding error.  Kate Currie would hit an infield single to put runners on the corners.  After a pop out, Sarah Cassidy doubled to left field to score Easton.  The next batter, Grace Pasterik, reached on an error, allowing Cassidy to score and tie the game.  In the 3rd, Osheiauna Phifer singled, and stole second.  After a passed ball put Phifer on third, Mia Rzepka hit a sacrifice fly to right field and scored Phifer to give Cleary the lead.  After Susie Bielecki and Izzy Easton singles (Izabell Estes would pinch run), Kate Currie reached on another Saints error that scored Bielecki and gave the Cougars a 4-2 lead.  Siena Heights would hit a home run in the 4th, and tie the game in the 6th.  In the 7th, the Saints would take the lead at 7-4, and Cleary would be unable to score in their final three outs, as the Saints would go on to win 7-4.
Alexis Beeson would suffer the loss allowing 3 R (2 earned) on 5 hits in relief.  Osheiauna Phifer Went 3/4 with a run and two stolen bases to lead the way, while Izzy Easton and Grace Pasterik each added two hits for Cleary.

In Game 2:  Game two was a defensive struggle, as both teams had difficulty getting things going offensively.  It would be Siena Heights who struck first, scoring a run in the 2nd, and gave themselves two insurance runs in the 5th to take a 3-0 lead.  That would be all the Saints pitching would need, as Cleary's bats could not square up a hit, and the Cougars were held scoreless in the game, while managing just two hits.  
Sonya Terleckyj pitched a complete game, allowing 3 R on 9 hits and striking out 2.  Mia Rzepka and Sarah Cassidy had one hit apiece for the Cougars.

Cleary drops to 13-27, 2-10 in WHAC play.  The Cougars will travel to Ohio to take on Lourdes University in a WHAC double-header on Saturday, April 23.  First pitch of game one is scheduled for 1:00 PM.