GRANTHAM, Pa. – The York College softball team won their opening game of the 2026 MAC Commonwealth tournament, 2-1, against the second-seeded Eastern University on Thursday afternoon at Messiah University.

The Spartans, who are the tournament's three seed, were held quiet through five innings, until a big fly put York ahead. The Green and White improve to 21-15 overall while the Eagles have their modest two-game winning streak snapped as they fall to 25-8.
 
Runs: York 2 - Eastern 1
Hits: York 3 - Eastern 3
Errors: York 1 - Eastern 0
LOB: York 2 - Eastern 7
WP: Natalie Rietema (11-5); LP: Emily Trzonkowski (15-1)
 
How It Happened
The No.3 Spartans got their first hit in the top of the first on a single, off the bat of Noelle Smith. 

The Green and White threatened in the top of the fifth when Alexis McDonaugh led off the inning, getting hit by a pitch. Erin Clancey pinch ran and stole second base. The Spartans were held in-check from there, going down in order. 

Eastern plated the first run of the game in the bottom half of the fifth. The Eagles had bases loaded when Sydney Ostolaza singled to left field, scoring Morgan Joseph. York's Danella Silagy made a diving grab with two outs on a line drive, stopping more damage from the Eagles. 

In the top of the sixth inning, Gretchen Barstad singled with two outs. Smith followed, blasting a two-run home run over the center field fence, giving the Spartans a 2-1 lead. 

York was able to hold the Eagles down through the sixth and seventh innings, securing the 2-1 win over No.2 Eastern. 

Natalie Rietema was in the circle for the Spartans. She allowed just one earned run on three hits. The senior walked four and struck out three. 
 
Spartan Pitching
Natalie Rietema: 7.0 IP, 3 hits, 1 run, 1 ER, 3 K, 4 BB, 1 HB
 
Spartan Notes
The Spartans beat Eastern for the first time this season and are now 15-10 all-time against the Eagles … the Spartans and Eagles had three hits a piece … Gretchen Barstad extended her current hitting streak to five games … Barstad and Noelle Smith also have reached base safely in each of the last seven games … Smith has a team-leading eight home runs … senior Natalie Rietema had one of her best outings of the year, as she threw seven strong innings, allowing one run on three hits. 
 
Up Next
The Spartans will face the winner of Thursday's second game between No.1 Messiah and No.4 Stevenson. First pitch is slated for 12:00 pm.