SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. – The Lock Haven softball team continued its eight-game road trip by traveling to Shepherd on Friday afternoon for a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern division doubleheader.

Shepherd won both games by scores of 2-0 and 4-1 to snap the Bald Eagles’ nine-game winning streak.

Lock Haven moves to 23-15 overall and 13-9 in conference play. Shepherd improved to 17-17 overall and 12-10 in PSAC East play.

Game one featured a pitcher’s duel between two of the best in the conference. Talia Ross (14-5) suffered the loss despite another strong performance.

Ross pitched six innings, struck out nine Rams hitters and only allowed three hits.

Shepherd’s runs came off a wild pitch in the fourth inning and a solo home run in the sixth. Blaire Balestrini and Hailey Irwin recorded the Bald Eagles’ only hits.

In game two, the Haven could not find the timely hit in the nightcap.

Shepherd struck first by scoring two runs in the second inning.

Lock Haven tried responding in the fourth, but left the bases full. Shepherd added two runs in the bottom half of the inning to take a 4-0 lead.

The Bald Eagles had the bases full again in the sixth but left the runners stranded.

In the seventh, Irwin came through with a two-out RBI single to score Evelyn Osborne and load the bases again.

However, Shepherd worked their way out of another jam and hung on to win.

Keiva Middleton (3-4) went the first three innings in the circle, surrendering three earned runs (one unearned).

Faith Persing was outstanding in her three innings of relief. Persing faced the minimum and struck out three batters without allowing a run.

Persing, Irwin, Gianna Goodman and Osborne had the four Lock Haven hits.

Lock Haven softball will make the long trip to Kutztown on Saturday for a crucial PSAC East doubleheader at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.