IMMACULATA, Pa. - The third-seeded Immaculata University softball team used a five-run third inning and another masterful performance in the circle by freshman Emma Bischoff to advance to the next round of the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) Tournament with a 10-2 victory over sixth-seeded Cedar Crest Wednesday afternoon. Ashley Rey and Michaela Petito each had three-hit days for the Macs, and CSAC Player of the Year Annemarie Bartow provided a two-run home run in the effort.

With the win, the Macs (25-14) advance to the next round of the CSAC Tournament Friday at Gwynedd Mercy to take on No. 2 Cabrini at 10 a.m.

HOW IT HAPPENED
-After Bischoff worked around a one-out double in the top of the first, the IU lineup went right to work to back her with run support early on. Emily Mesey split the outfielders with a leadoff double to the base of the wall in right-center, and after Abigail Carter sacrificed her to third, Rey ripped a single to left for the game's first run.
-Cedar Crest threatened in the second as the first two batters reached in the frame, but Bischoff evaded trouble by striking out the next two hitters and inducing an inning-ending pop up.
-The Macs sent 11 to the plate in a five-run third to break the game open. After the first three batters reached safely to start the rally, Bartow was hit by a pitch to force in a run and Keani Hindle lifted a sacrifice fly to right to bring in Carter from third. Petito followed with a run-scoring knock before a bases-loaded walk to Sydney Sturgill and a wild pitch to bring in the fifth run rounded out the frame.
-The Falcons answered with a two-run home run to cut the Macs' lead to four at 6-2, but would stand as the only two runs charged against Bischoff on the afternoon.
-Bartow added a pair of insurance runs in a big way in the bottom of the sixth, driving a towering homer to left-center to make it an 8-2 lead. Following a Petito single and a walk to Sturgill, LeighAnn Brocious sent the Macs to the next round of the CSAC Tournament with a two-run single down the left field line for a 10-2 IU victory.

IU LEADERS AT THE PLATE
-Rey: 3-4, 2R, RBI
-Petito: 3-4, 2R, RBI
-Bartow: 1-3, HR, 3 RBI

IU LEADERS IN THE CIRCLE
-Bischoff: W (14-5), 6 IP, 5H, 2R, 7K