The Shippensburg University softball team opened Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division play on Saturday by splitting a doubleheader at West Chester, winning the opener 8-4 before dropping the finale to the Golden Rams, 10-2 in six innings.
 
Shippensburg (15-9, 1-1 PSAC East) and West Chester (22-13, 3-1) have now posted splits in three straight regular-season doubleheaders between the two teams. The Raiders totaled 19 hits on the day and committed just one error. The Golden Rams received a dynamic day at the plate from Heidi McCollester, who finished the doubleheader by going 6-for-8 with a home run, two doubles and eight RBIs.
 
A pair of freshmen keyed the SU victory in Game 1. Freshman catcher Morgan Fetter was 4-for-4 with two doubles, three RBIs and two runs scored. Freshman second base Morgan DeFeo was 4-for-5 with a double, RBI and a run scored.
 
Shippensburg had 13 hits in Game 1, including an RBI-double from freshman Hannah Marsteller and an RBI-single from freshman Grace Palmieri. Senior Taryn Wilson got the win in the circle, striking out seven in 4.2 innings.
 
Freshman Hannah Johnson earned a save in Game 1, helping the Raiders escape trouble in the fifth inning and ultimately finishing the game. Johnson threw 2.2 shutout innings of relief, allowing just one hit and walk while striking out one.
 
West Chester scored three runs in the first inning of Game 2 and added two more in the third to gain a sizable advantage. The Golden Rams concluded the nightcap early with a four-run sixth inning to incur the run rule. Johnson and freshman Lacey Hunter each had two hits for the Raiders, while sophomore Courtney Coy doubled and walked.
 
Overall on the day, six Raiders finished with multiple hits. Junior Kayla Bonawitz had a sacrifice fly in Game 1 and an RBI-single in Game 2.
 
UP NEXT: Sunday, 1 p.m. vs. Caldwell (DH).