WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Palm Beach Atlantic softball team played Kutztown in a non-conference doubleheader on Wednesday at Simpson Field.
 
The Golden Bears entered the day receiving votes in the latest NFCA top-25 poll. Game one went to extra innings with the game tied 1-1. KU scored a pair of runs in the top of the eighth, and the Sailfish answered in a run in the bottom of the frame. Unfortunately for PBA, the game hit made contact with a Sailfish runner for the final out of the inning, preventing the tying run from scoring. PBA bounced back in game two. Back-to-back home runs highlighted a 7-0 win with Kierea Smits, Rylee Little, and Ashlyn Storms combining for a shutout.
 
PBA is back in action on Thursday against Central Missouri. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.
 
Game One - KU: 3, PBA: 2
 
PBA put together a solid offensive effort with seven hits, including a pair of doubles, but a crucial two-run eighth inning by Kutztown sealed the deal for the Golden Bears.
 
Kutztown broke a 1-1 deadlock with Parker Kraus's two-run double, a blow the 'Fish couldn't quite recover from. Despite a spirited rally that saw Anna Wetzsteon cross the plate on Kaitlyn Campbell's clutch RBI single, the comeback was halted just short.
 
The Sailfish shone in the fourth inning, when Marli Szierer smashed a double to deep center, bringing Rhiannon Sibbett home after she showcased her speed by swiping second. 
 
In a dramatic final inning, the 'Fish scored after an RBI from Campbell. PBA kept the pressure on with runners on first and second. The potential game-tying hit by Rylee Little made it through the right side, but it hit a Sailfish runner for the final out of the game.
 
Szierer led the charge with two hits, including a pair of doubles, and an RBI. Little chipped in with two hits in four trips to the plate and also impressed on the mound, fanning three in 2.1 scoreless innings. Larken Maseda added a hit in four at-bats, while Wetzsteon contributed a run to the team's valiant effort. Lauren Allen was a standout in the circle, delivering 5.2 strong innings with just three hits and one unearned run allowed. 
 
Game Two - PBA: 7, KU: 0
 
The Sailfish took control early and never let up. In the first inning, Dianna Montidoro's double set the tone, paving the way for Szierer's two-run blast to left field Little followed with a blast of her own to give the Sailfish an early 3-0 lead. PBA extended their lead in the third inning, with Montidoro's single and a fielding error allowing Campbell to cross home plate.
 
In the fifth, the 'Fish kept the pressure on. Montidoro doubled again, driving in Campbell, who reached on a fielder's choice and advanced on an error. Ashlyn Storms entered as a pinch runner scoring her first career run. The sixth inning saw Maseda's sacrifice fly and Addley Dean's RBI single, pushing two more runs across. With solid defense and effective pitching, PBA stifled any Kutztown rally attempts, sealing the shutout win.
 
Szierer led the charge with a homer and two RBIs, playing a pivotal role in the scoring. Little added power with a home run, collecting two hits and an RBI. Montidoro shined at the plate with three hits, including two doubles, and an RBI. Ashlyn Storms pitched a flawless inning, striking out one with no hits allowed.
 
Kierea Smits impressed on the mound for the Sailfish, pitching a season-high 4 innings without surrendering a run. Facing 15 batters, she allowed just 3 hits, and issued no walks. Her performance secured her first win of the season, showcasing poise and effectiveness.