PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - Softball split a Saturday doubleheader with Drexel, winning the first game 5-3 and falling in the second game 4-3.

The Patriots started off strong in the first game scoring one run in the first inning and four runs in the fourth.  Freshman standout Brooke Blankenship started a two out rally in the first inning by singling to left field.  The next batter was catcher Emily Lafferty who hit a RBI double to center field.  Mason struck again in the fourth inning scoring four runs off five hits and taking advantage of one Drexel error.  The inning began when Megan Blank singled to shortstop and Katie Rynex sacrificed her to second base.  The next batter was freshman third baseman Tori Rodriguez who singled to center field, eventually allowing Blank to score on an error by the pitcher that came from the bat of the designated player, Tiffany Webb.  The leadoff hitter, centerfielder Tori Dudley followed Webb with a deep home run to center field, which scored three.

Drexel responded in the bottom half of the second inning, scoring two runs off three hits and one Mason error.  The Dragons would also add another run in the third inning but ultimately could not produce enough runs off pitcher Stephanie Maher, who finished her complete game by scattering 10 hits, striking out one and only allowing one earned run.

In the second game, Mason struck first by scoring a run in the top of the second inning when Dudley hit an RBI single to left field, scoring Rodriguez who had previously reached base on a walk.  However, Drexel was able to rally in the bottom of the second inning to score four runs off four hits.

The Patriots added two more runs in the top of the third inning when Blank hit a two RBI single up the middle, scoring Lafferty and Blankenship.

Unfortunately, Mason was unable to come back from Drexel's four run second inning and ultimately dropped game two by one run.

Mason and Drexel will be back at it on Sunday at 11:00am to play the deciding game of the three game series.