The University of Scranton softball team split a double header against Wilkes University, taking the opener 3-1 before falling in a close 6-5 decision in game two on Wednesday evening in Wilkes Barre, Pa.  

The Basics  

• Game 1 Final Score (9 innings): Scranton – 3, Wilkes – 1 
• Game 2 Final Score: Wilkes – 6; Scranton – 5
• Records: Scranton (14-9, 3-5 Landmark); Wilkes (13-7, 3-5 Landmark) 

• Win: Emma Douglas (9-2); Loss: Lauren DeMarco (3-4)  

• After a quiet start at the plate, the Royals broke through in the bottom of the sixth to take a 1-0 lead. Celia Totaro led off with a single to center and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Gianna Muliero. Daniela Brescia then drove her in with a single down the right field line, putting Scranton in front. 
• Wilkes responded in the bottom half of the inning, capitalizing on a Scranton error and a single to even the score at 1-1.   
• The game remained deadlocked until the ninth when Scranton's offense came alive. Freshman Gabriella Gorzkowski drew a walk, and classmate Quin Doherty launched a two-run home run to center, giving the Royals a 3-1 advantage.  
• Emma Douglas dominated in the circle, tossing a complete game to improve to 9-2 on the season. She allowed just four hits and one unearned run while striking out seven.  

Game Two 

• Win: Tessa Stafursky (3-0) ; Loss: Emma Douglas (9-3) 

How it Happened  

• Wilkes struck first, plating four runs in the bottom of the opening frame by capitalizing on a Scranton error and a series of timely hits, including a two-run homer. 
• The Royals responded in the top of the third. Alli Babino led off the inning with a single up the middle and Madison Byrwa drew a walk. Celia Totaro ripped a double to left, driving in Babino and cutting the deficit to 4-1.  
• Scranton erupted for four more runs in the top of the fourth. Quin Doherty sparked the offense with a single and later scored on Madison Byrwa single to right center. With Mollie Ferreira and Totaro reaching base, Gianna Muliero delivered a double to center that put the Royals ahead 5-4. 
• The Colonels added two runs in the fifth, highlighted by a pair of RBI doubles to reclaim a 6-5 lead.  
• The Royals were unable to produce any runs over the final two innings, falling in game two, 6-5.  

Up Next:   

• The Royals are back on action tomorrow with a double header against Misericordia University, with game one set to begin at 3 PM in Dallas, Pa.