ALTOONA, Pa. - The Penn State Altoona softball team wrapped up the 2009 campaign with a doubleheader split against non-conference Juniata College Wednesday afternoon at Stewart Field.  The Lions dropped the first game 5-1 before charging back in game two for a 4-1 victory.

In game one, Altoona jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the second inning when Kristie McVay (Coudersport, PA/Coudersport) sent Andrea Layton (Everett, PA/Everett) home on a single to center field, but the Eagles would use a three-run third and a two-run fourth to put the game away.

Altoona managed only four hits off of Juniata's Alyssa Erb in the first contest, with McVay contributing two, and Chelsey Rhodes (Williamsburg, PA/Williamsburg) and Aissha Kassam (Lititz, PA/Warwick) each going 1 for 3.  Erb also registered an impressive 10 strikeouts for the visitors.

Lion starter Callie Lyle (Brockway, PA/Brockway) lasted all seven innings while giving up 10 hits and four earned runs. 

In game two, the Lions again scored first, this time in the second inning thanks to a Rhodes single up the middle that would drive McVay home.  Altoona added one more in the third and two more in the fourth, while Juniata scored its only run in the sixth frame. 

Rhodes went 1 for 3 with an RBI, and McVay, Layton, and Alanna Luzier (Frenchville, PA/Clearfield) each cracked hits for the Lions.  Freshman Erin Cline (Murraysville, PA/Franklin Regional) also added an RBI to her season total when she helped Luzier score in the third from a sacrifice fly.

Layton pitched a complete game for the hosts, giving up four hits and three walks.  The Eagles' only run was earned, and Layton was able to strike out three batters during her time on the mound.

The Lions finish the season with a record of 7-27 overall and 4-14 in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference.