Claremont, Calif. - The Pomona-Pitzer Softball team used a three-run homer from Kelsey Buchanan to take a 6-3 win in the opener, but La Verne bounced back for a 5-2 win in the nightcap as the two teams split a doubleheader on Saturday afternoon. 

With the split, the Sagehens are now 13-19 overall and 8-12 in the SCIAC, while La Verne moves to 16-16 overall and 11-9 in conference play. 

The game was part of Strike Out Cancer weekend and both teams honored cancer survivors in attendance between games (pictured). In addition, over $400 was raised to help local softball player Annalise Fischer, who is currently battling cancer.

Buchanan hit a three-run homer in the first inning of the opener to stake the Sagehens to a 3-1 lead. After Meagan Tokunaga doubled in the second, she was driven home by senior center fielder Ashley Morello. Morello (3-for-3, two RBI) tacked on an RBI double in the sixth as well, while junior right fielder Susanne Boden had an RBI single to push the lead to 6-2. Bianca Cockrell went the distance to get the win for the Sagehens. 

In the nightcap, Boden hit a two-run homer in the first to give Pomona-Pitzer a 2-0 lead. However, pitcher Katy Kibbe helped her own cause with a two-run homer in the sixth to put La Verne ahead 3-2. The Leopards would add two more in the seventh to take the 5-2 win.

Buchanan was 2-for-3 in the nightcap, while Morello was 1-for-4 to finish the doubleheader 4-for-7. Mackenzie Dutton was 3-for-3 with two RBI for La Verne.

Pomona-Pitzer is back in action next weekend for four games, including a home doubleheader on Friday at 2 p.m. against Chapman.