Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 WISE, Va. –  Shepherd University (41-22) fell in the finals of the NCAA Division II Softball Atlantic 1 Regionals at UVa-Wise on Sunday. The Rams recorded a 3-2 win over #18 West Chester in an early game, but West Chester (47-11) rallied for a 4-2 win to take the Atlantic 1 Regional crown,

West Chester took a 1-0 lead in the second inning in the early game as Courtney Stump reached on a fielder's choice and later scored on a single by Emily Maseth.

The Golden Rams added a run in the third when Cat Hammer walked and scored on an outfield error.

The Rams plated three runs in the fourth to rally for the win.  Sophomore outfielder Kaitlyn Konopka (Medford, N.J./Shawnee) singled, moved to second on a bunt single by junior shortstop Sarah North (Belcamp, Md./Harford Technical), and scored on a  single by senior third baseman Alexandra Witt (Harpers Ferry, W.Va./Jefferson). First baseman Connor Gilligan Medford, N.J. Shawnee) scored North on a single and sophomore pitcher Lori Sturgill (Waldorf, Md./McDonough/College of Southern Maryland)  had an RBI-single to score Witt.

Freshman second baseman Debbie Stuart (Warrenton, Va./Kettle Run) and North each had a pair of hits for the Rams.

Walasavage went 3-for-4 to lead the Golden Rams.

Sturgill (3.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 K, 0 BB) (12-4) picked up the win with a strong performance in relief for the Rams. Amanda Houck (3.2 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 0 K, 0 BB) (33-4) took the loss for the Golden Rams.

Shepherd took a 2-0 lead in the top of the sixth in the later contest. North singled and Witt followed with a walk. North scored on a single by Gilligan while Witt scored when Sturgill reached on a fielder's choice.

The Golden Rams rallied with four runs on five hits in the bottom of the sixth to gain the win. After West Chester tied the game with a pair of runs, Heidi McCollester hit a sacrifice fly to plate Courtney Stump to give the Golden Eagles the lead. West Chester added an insurance run on an RBI-single by Madison Kelly. 

The Rams threatened with runners on second and third with two outs in the seventh, but Amanda Houck got a ground out to end the game.

North went 2-for-3 to pace the Rams.

Madison Kelly had a pair of hits for the Golden Rams.

Sturgill (6.0 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 1 K, 2 BB) (12-5) took the loss for the Rams. Houck (1.2 IP, 0 H, 7 K, 1 BB) (34-4) tossed hitless ball in relief to pick up the win for the Golden Rams.

Postgame Press Conference