MARIETTA, Ohio — Both Pfeiffer University and Penn State Berks had one simple objective when they faced each other in the final game played Friday at the NCAA Regional tournament.  Win or go home.  The Falcons fell to Rowan earlier in the day, 7-5.  The Nittany Lions won in dramatic fashion in the game prior over Marietta, 5-4, to set up this matchup.  Pfeiffer would take an early lead and hold to defeat Penn State Berks, 5-1, to stay alive for in the tournament.
 
"We're never going to be pleased with our performance because we believe we have unfinished business," said Pfeiffer Head Coach Monte Sherrill.  "It was nice to get this win, but it's now back to Rowan.  They have a good ball club.  We're going to have to play steady and at a higher intensity pitch with a purpose."
 
Pfeiffer generated a run in the first inning when Kyndall Warren was hit by a pitch and eventually scored on wild pitch, giving the Falcons an early lead.   Then in the third, Kenzi Lyall led off the inning with a single and would score when Emma Chopko doubled to left field.  Gracie Griffin would follow with another double to plate two more runs, giving Pfeiffer a 4-0 lead.  The Falcons would tack on yet another insurance run in the fourth inning when Lyall had a one-out double and came around to score on a Chopko single.
 
With their backs against the wall, Penn State Berks put up one last rally in the seventh inning.  Savannah Wilson led off with a single to center field, but was retired on a fielder's choice by Arizona Shreck.  Susan Duncan then singled to right field and Payton Vivian singled to right field to score Shreck, breaking up the shutout.  The Lions could get no closer, though, and would fall to Pfeiffer, 5-1.
 
"I knew it was going to be a tough matchup," said Penn State Berks Head Coach Donna Ference.  "Looking back at the game, we matched their hit totals.  They capitalized on their opportunities and we did not.  We left a few too many on base, which has been our nemesis throughout the year, but I feel like we were in that game the whole time."
 
Sadie Lee (2-1) got the victory in relief as starter Kali Morton got the quick hook in the second inning.  Lee worked 6.1 inning, scattering six hits and only giving up the one run.  Shreck (10-4) took the loss as she worked the first two inning.  She gave up two runs on two hits.  Briana Smith to relieve and worked five innings, giving up three runs on seven hits.
 
Pfeiffer will next play Rowan in a rematch on Saturday (May 20).  With the threat of rain in the area, the game has been moved to a first pitch at 2 p.m.  The Falcons will do their best to force a second game.  If Rowan can claim victory again, they will claim the regional championship and move to the NCAA Super Regional played next weekend.