BRIDGEPORT, West Virginia - Despite pleasant spring days during the week, the Salem softball team faced off with some cool conditions for their home doubleheader against the big rival Fairmont State on Saturday afternoon. The Tigers opened the day well, but were ultimately overrun by the Falcons in both contests. Each one played out as follows:

Fairmont State 6, Salem 5

In Game 1, the Tigers knew they needed to assert their home field advantage early, and they found that chance in the 2nd inning. Salem took control of the game with an RBI single from Brooke Wise, and then Syriah Trujillo added a RBI double right after that to make it 2-0.  The Falcons rallied with 3 runs in the third, but the Tigers had a returning scoring punch of their own in that same inning. Charlee Johnson knocked a grounder that allowed her to reach on a fielder's choice, and Sierra Chapa used that play to score from third to knot the game up at 3-3. Despite the advantage, the Falcons took the lead back in the 5th. The Tigers showed their tenacity again with one more rally in response. Charlee Johnson singled again in the 5th to bring in Ricki Garay to knot it up at 4, and then a Syriah Trujillo sacrifice fly scored Marissia Jeffery (who took on pinch running duties for Johnson) gave the Tigers a slim 5-4 lead. Unfortunately, it was the Falcons who had the final rally in them as they added 2 runs in the 7th to seal the hardfought 6-5 win for Fairmont State. Despite the loss, a strong platoon system of Kendall Lemley, Andrea Gallegos, and Brooke Wise in the pitcher's circle yielded a combined 3 strikeouts. 

Fairmont State 9, Salem 0

For Game 2, the Salem offensive attack went with the weather and cooled off considerably. The Tigers were only able to get a pair of hits off the commanding Fairmont State pitching staff. However, Salem kept things close by allowing just a pair of runs through the first 5 innings, but a big offensive showing for the Falcons in the 6th was the Tigers downfall. In the pitcher's circle, Salem went back to the platoon system with Kayla Williams, Brooke Wise, Kendall Lemley, and Andrea Gallegos all making strong showings for the Tigers. Again, the Tiger's pitchers combined for 3 strikeouts.

While today's contests did not go the Tiger's way, Salem will have another chance to get back on track on Monday, March 25th. In a doubleheader that was originally set for Sunday, Salem will face off with the Bobcats of Frostburg State at 11 AM at The Bridge Sports Complex in Bridgeport, West Virginia. The doubleheader was pushed back to Monday due to a scheduling conflict.