VIENNA, West Virginia -- No. 5 seed WVU Tech defeated No. 4 Point Park University 2-1 in a first round game of the River States Conference (RSC) Softball Championship before falling to No. 1 University of Rio Grande 0-4 Friday in Vienna, West Virginia.

The tournament is double-elimination and the Golden Bears will continue tomorrow, Saturday at approximately 10 a.m. against. No. 6 Cincinnati Christian University. Tech (22-28) split with the Eagles (21-18) in their last meeting (April 28) with scores of 4-6 then 7-0.

Game One | WVU Tech 2, Point Park 1  | Box Score

The Gold and Blue picked up a run quick, plating one in the top of the first inning after junior Lauren Oxford crossed freshman Alexis Lopez with a single RBI down the left field line. Lopez found herself on base after four balls towards a walk.

Tech's winning run was posted in the fourth inning as freshman Olivia Morey knocked a single through the hole at second base, scoring pinch runner sophomore Ashley Daniels. Daniels ran for sophomore Amanda McDonald who reached base off a bunt and a wild throw from the Pioneers.

Sophomore Karina Atanacio (11-11) earned the W in the circle after four innings of work. The Middletown, Deleware native struck out six batters while giving up four hits and a earned run.

McDonald drew the start, tossing three innings towards two strike outs while allowing just one hit.

Game Two | Rio Grande 4, WVU Tech 0 | Box Score

The team tallied a total of five hits including two each from juniors Skylar Connelly and Kacie Cahill. Lopez marked one hit in the loss.

Cahill recorded a triple and a stolen base for the Golden Bears.

McDonald was dealt the loss after pitching for 3.1 innings, giving up four hits and one earned run.

Atanacio threw for 2.2 innings and posted three strike outs while giving up four hits and two earned runs.
 

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