ALLENTOWN, PA: After dropping the first game 10-2, the Highlanders rallied in game two but fell just short against the Cedar Crest Falcons, 6-5.

GAME ONE: Cairn jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first. Elizabeth Malarski hit a single through the left side with the bases loaded, scoring Kacey Wees to make it 1-0. Krista Earl, the next batter up, was hit by a pitch to walk in Theresa Beck and put the Highlanders ahead by two. However, the Falcons responded with four runs in their half of the first, and the Highlanders were unable to score again for the rest of the game. Cedar Crest was able to build on their lead with four runs in the second inning and two more in the third, and the game was called in the fifth inning with the Falcons earning the 10-2 victory.

Catcher Olivia Nieto had a good outing at the plate, going 2 for 3. Starting pitcher Krista Earl went 4.0 innings, allowing 4 earned runs and striking out two.

GAME TWO: Putting the first game behind them, the Highlanders were able to rally in the second game of the doubleheader and came just one run short of the comeback.

Cairn again went up 2-0 early, with a run in both the first and second innings, but the Falcons responded with a 4-run second inning of their own to take the lead 4-2. The Highlanders and Falcons traded runs in the fourth and fifth innings, and the Highlanders found themselves down 6-3 at the top of the sixth. Nieto continued her clutch batting and singled to right center for an RBI, followed by a Malarski single up the middle for an RBI of her own. Starting pitcher Kacey Wees shut the door on the Falcons in the bottom of the sixth, giving up one hit and inducing three groundouts to keep the Falcons within reach and setting up the Highlander comeback. Cairn was able to get runners on base in the top of the seventh, but left two stranded and were unable to drive in the tying run, ultimately falling 6-5.

The Highlanders were able to more than triple their hit total from the first game and out-hit the Falcons 17-11 despite the loss; Cairn was led at the plate by Jenna Kenyon (3-5), Earl (3-4), Nieto (3-5; 3 RBIs), and Teresa Beck (3-5, 1 RBI, 2 doubles).

Cairn is back in action against another CSAC opponent, the Eagles of Saint Elizabeth University, on Thursday (4/8). First pitch of the doubleheader is slated for 3 PM.

Due to the construction on the future Stillman Athletic Complex, all home softball games will be played at a neutral site. Please check the Softball Schedule tab at cairnhighlanders.com for updates on game locations.