Keyser, W.Va. - The Potomac State softball team opened play in the NJCAA Region 20 Division II Softball Tournament Final Four with a 7-6 comeback victory over fifth-seeded CCBC Catonsville on Friday afternoon at Softball Field Complex.
After falling behind 3-0 in the first inning, the Catamounts battled back throughout the afternoon and used a go-ahead sacrifice fly from Delaney Randolph in the sixth inning to secure the game-winning run and remain in the winner's bracket of the double-elimination tournament.
Potomac State answered quickly after the early deficit, getting on the board in the bottom of the first when Randolph delivered a sacrifice fly to score Adison Pritts. The Catamounts then surged ahead in the third inning with a three-run frame. Alyssa Abel tied the game with a two-run double to right center before Jaianna Wickline followed with an RBI single to give Potomac State a 4-3 lead.
CCBC Catonsville regained the advantage with two runs in the fourth and another in the fifth to move in front 6-4, but the Catamounts responded once again.
In the bottom of the fifth, Potomac State evened the score behind a clutch two-run single from Carlee Haines that plated both Wickline and Abel. One inning later, Skyla Compton reached base and eventually scored on Randolph's second sacrifice fly of the afternoon, providing the eventual game-winning run.
Lacie Miller earned the win with two scoreless innings in relief, allowing no hits while striking out two. Randolph worked the opening five innings in the circle and recorded four strikeouts.
Wickline finished 2-for-2 with an RBI and a walk, while Abel added a double, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Katelyn Cooper also recorded a pair of hits, and Compton reached base four times with a double and three walks.
With the victory, Potomac State advances in the winner's bracket and will face second-seeded Cecil College on Saturday, May 9th at 12 p.m. The winner advances to Sunday's championship round with an opportunity to play for the NJCAA Region 20 Division II title.