Golden Wolves Eliminated From MAC Commonwealth Championship

Grantham, Pa. (May 2, 2025) – Alvernia Softball’s (23-17) 2025 season came to a close on Friday evening with the Golden Wolves falling to #3 Hood College (23-17), 5-4, in the first elimination game of the 2025 MAC Commonwealth Championship tournament at Messiah University. 

The game was back and forth through the middle innings, with Alvernia holding a slight 3-2 lead entering the fourth. But, the Blazers put up a three spot in the home half of the fourth to take a 4-3 lead into the back half of the game. The Golden Wolves threatened in the top of the seventh, but could not convert.

After a scoreless first inning, the Blazers scored two runs on a two-run single down the right field line to take a 2-0 lead. 

Alvernia answered in the top of the third. After Summer Montgomery walked to leadoff the inning and advanced to second on a Brooke Hauck walk, Montgomery scored on an Angelina Sponheimer single through the left side. The Golden Wolves then took the lead, 3-2, on a Meryn Bellacima single to center field to score Hauck. 

The Alvernia lead did not last long as the Blazers retook it in the bottom of the fourth. The Blazers plated three runs on two hits to the outfield to take the 5-3 lead.

The Golden Wolves stranded a runner on base in both the fifth and sixth, but threatened in the seventh. Montgomery singled down the right field line and advanced to second on a single by Taylor McClain. Montgomery then scored on a single to right by Bellancima to bring Alvernia within one with two outs. Ryann Healey then stepped up to the plate to pinch hit and ripped a ball to left field. But, the Hood left fielder got a great read and jump on the ball and was able to secure the catch for the 5-4 win.

Ashlyn Hillanbrand got the start in the circle for Alvernia and went four and a third with five hits and three earned runs. Kelsey Racine pitched one and two thirds in relief and did not allow a hit or a run.

Meryn Bellacima led Alvernia’s offensive efforts, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Summer Montgomery also had a multi-hit game, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored.

Messiah and Eastern will face off on Saturday for the MAC Commonwealth title.

The Golden Wolves finish the season with a 23-17 record overall.