READING, Pa. – The Albright softball team suffered two hard-fought losses in a non-conference doubleheader against Immaculata at the Albright College Softball Field on Monday.
 
With the pair of losses, the Lions fall to 3-25 overall. Meanwhile, the Mighty Macs improve to 10-22.
 
GAME ONE
Albright's comeback fell just one run short in game one as Immaculata used a strong start to claim the 9-8 win. The Mighty Macs grasped an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first behind one hit to open up the game. Immaculata then posted a strong six runs in the second behind four hits and one error, extending their advantage to 8-0. However, Kaitlyn Chell gave Albright the spark they needed in the bottom half of the fourth as she smashed one beyond the fence line to get the Lions on the board.
 
The Lions finally found their footing in the bottom of the fifth as Brooke Franklin singled to lead off. Franklin then moved to second on a ground out and then advanced to third behind a Kathryn Baptiste single. Jadelyn Van Winkle then singled through the left side to bring Franklin home and move Baptiste to second. Chell then hit a second home run, earning three RBI, to cut the Lions deficit to 8-5. Immaculata responded in the top of the sixth with one run behind two hits. Albright battled hard in the bottom of the seventh as Allison Melahn led off with a triple to right field. Baptiste hit a sacrifice fly out to send Melahn home. Chell then walked to get on base and Veronica Heckman singled to move her to second. Laura Costello then hit one through the left side to bring home Chell and get Albright within two. Albright continued to battle as Jenna Shallop reached on an error and sent Heckman home, bringing the score to 9-8. The Lions nearly tied up the game as Franklin hit a grounder that looked promising, but Immaculata made a close defensive play and the third out to claim the 9-8 victory.
 
Baptiste receives the loss on the pitching mound for Albright behind 1.1 innings pitched. Van Winkle added a season-high six strikeouts in 5.2 innings on the mound for the Lions. Chell's two home runs match the single-game program record. 
 
GAME TWO
The Mighty Macs completed the sweep over the Lions with a 5-3 win in game two. Immaculata took an early lead once again, posting three runs behind two hits in the top of the first. The Mighty Macs added one run to their lead in the top of the second on three hits, grasping a 4-0 advantage. Albright got on the board in the bottom half of the second as Chell doubled and moved to third on the throw. She then circled home on a ground out to cut the Lions deficit to 4-1. The teams traded runs in the fifth as Melahn doubled, stole third, and reached home on a Van Winkle sacrifice fly, bringing the score to 5-2. Albright battled once again in the bottom of the sixth as they loaded the bases. Melahn singled to bring home Jenna Shallop, but the Mighty Macs were able to get Franklin out at home plate to make the third out of the inning. The seventh inning was not played due to darkness and Immaculata held onto the 5-3 victory.
 
Costello (2-10) receives the loss for Albright behind 0.2 innings pitched. Melahn went 2-for-4 and added one RBI in game two to lead the Lions offense.
 
The Lions will take the Albright College Softball Field one last time for the 2022 season on Wednesday for a MAC Commonwealth doubleheader against local rival Alvernia at 3 p.m.