Point Park softball had a busy weekend with three Mountain East Conference games played and one postponed. The Pioneers closed their road trip with a 2-1 record, and they improved to fifth place in MEC standings in their opening season.
Senior outfielder Remington Koi said that the team has performed beyond the standard that was set for them, as Point Park joined Division II athletics in the MEC in July. This season marks the Pioneers’ first season as members of the new conference.
“As a new team in the MEC, many opponents may have underestimated us, expecting easy wins,” Remington Koi said. “However, with our strong defense and improving offense, we are proving them wrong and making a statement.”
On Saturday, the Pioneers played a doubleheader on the road against West Virginia Wesleyan and split the weekend. Wesleyan took the first game with a score of 4-1. Point Park got its first and sole run of the ball game in the first inning, while the Bobcats got all four of theirs in the fifth inning.
The Pioneers turned the tide for the second game with their dominant win against the Cardinals. Point Park got an early lead with six runs in the first inning. Combined with one run in the fourth and two in the fifth, the Pioneers cemented their win.
The game ended with a score of 9-0.
“The strong bond [the team] share allows us to communicate effectively, trust one another, and play as a unified group,” Koi said. “This chemistry gives us a competitive edge, especially in high-pressure situations, and will be a key factor in our success.”
On Sunday, Point Park was originally set to play a doubleheader against Davis & Elkins, but the second game of the day was postponed due to inclement weather. A makeup game will be determined at a later date.
Point Park pitcher Jaylyn Mullenax, a junior transfer from University of Northwestern Ohio, pitched the full seven innings and recorded seven errors, seven runs and 12 hits. Mullenax leads the MEC in total strikeouts and innings pitched.
The Senators had two pitchers, Sammie Jarvis and Alyssia Munoz, who combined for seven errors, eight runs and 13 hits.
“Our pitching staff has been delivering outstanding performances, and our defense remains strong,” Koi said. “As long as we continue to produce offensively, we put ourselves in a position to win.”
Point Park started off strong with five runs by the top of the third inning, one in the first and four in the second.
The Senators’ first run occured in the third inning, when outfielder Lina Gutierrez ran in after a double to center field.
Even after Davis & Elkins’ valiant attempts to come back, the team fell short by only one run, leaving the score at 8-7.
“One of our primary goals moving forward is to continue improving our offense performance. We are focusing on executing timely hits and capitalizing on key moments to break through,” Koi said. “I’m incredibly proud of this team’s resilience, no matter the circumstances, we support one another and find ways to stay competitive.”
The Pioneers are set to play two MEC doubleheaders this weekend. They play against Frostburg State and Fairmont State on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
All four games take place at home at Fairhaven Park in McKees Rocks.
“Qualifying would be a significant achievement, especially as a new team in this conference, and we are determined to make it happen,” Koi said.
The Pioneers improve to an overall record of 11-14 and are 6-5 in conference play. The team is tied with Davis & Elkins for the fifth-place spot.
For pre-game updates and news, visit pointparksports.com. All Point Park students receive free admission to home athletic games.
