Apr 16, 2014 By Tim Neral for The Yellow Jacket 3 min read

The Waynesburg University softball team picked up a huge 4-3 upset in 12 innings over undefeated Thomas More in game one of a doubleheader, all thanks to a walk-off single by center fielder Emily Sorton.

Waynesburg fell behind early in game one, as the Saints scored two runs while starting pitcher Ronni Burns did not allow a hit until the fifth inning. Despite the low quantity of hits, the quality of junior first baseman Haley Payne’s rocket over the left field fence tied the game at two runs a piece in the fifth frame.

“I really don’t know what was going through my head,” said Payne. “Did I really just see that? Did I really just tie the game up against Thomas More?”

The game remained tied until Thomas More regained the lead in the 12th. Even though they missed out on some earlier scoring opportunities, the Jackets came together when they needed to the most. Payne collected another single before being pulled for a pinch runner in junior Brittany Ellis. From there, Ellis got to third base on a single from third baseman Ashley Clark. Ellis, along with Clark, scored on a walk-off single from Sorton.

“It was complete and total exhaustion and madness in the best way possible,” said senior Carrie Maier.”

Maier played instrumental in the team’s come-from-behind win. After relieving starter Stephanie Kotomski before the start of the fifth, Maier allowed four hits and two walks over eight innings, while striking out six Saints.

“It gives us a little bit of morale, hope and a breaking point where we can turn our season around,” said Maier.

The win snapped a 10-game losing streak against the Saints, which dated back to the 2008 season.

“I think the team played really well all weekend and the hard work paid off,” said head coach Lou Giachetti. “I think we realize now if we would have won some of our earlier close losses, we would be in a lot better position for the playoffs.”

Players came to the universal agreement that the victory over Thomas More was among their favorite softball memories here at Waynesburg.

“It ranks number one,” said Payne. “Hands down.”

In game two, Waynesburg pulled ahead 1-0 in the second inning, but it wouldn’t last for long. Thomas More posted the next five runs before Waynesburg scored the final tally in the bottom of the sixth, losing by a final score of 5-2.

With the weekend split, Waynesburg’s record has dropped to 6-18 overall and 2-8 in the conference. The Jackets are scheduled to resume play today at home in a doubleheader against Presidents’ Athletic Conference rival Saint Vincent. First pitch of game one is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.