WEST CHESTER, Pa. – Shepherd University (41-17) dropped a 10-1 decision to host West Chester (38-19) in first day action of the Division II Softball Atlantic Super Regional at West Chester on Thursday.

West Chester plated seven runs and just two hits in the third inning to take a 7-0 lead. The Golden Rams took advantage of four walks and two errors to key the scoring. Emily Maseth hit a two-run single to key the rally.

Shepherd answered back in the fourth as senior pitcher Lori Sturgill (Waldorf, Md./McDonough/College of Southern Maryland) belted a solo blast to left center for her sixth home run of the season.

The Golden Rams got a three-run homer from Heidi McCollester in the bottom of the fourth to complete the scoring.

Bri Garber had two hits and scored a pair of runs to lead the Golden Rams.

Senior outfielder Morgan Cox (Halifax, Pa./Halifax) and sophomore shortstop Ashley Burger (Hedgesville, W.Va./Spring Mills) each added singles for the Rams.

Maegen Kavanaugh (5.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 K, 2 BB) (11-4) gained the win. Sturgill (3.0 IP, 3 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 1 K, 4 BB) (18-8) took the loss.

The Rams return to Super Regional action against West Chester on Friday at noon. A Shepherd win would force a third and deciding game at 2:30 p.m.