SLIPPERY ROCK - On the short bus ride from Grove City to Slippery Rock, the members of the Eagles softball team talked about it.

Before the game, they huddled behind the visitors' dugout and talked about it again.

Grove City wasn't about to lose to Slippery Rock again.

A five-run first inning helped that cause greatly as the Eagles rolled to an 8-1 win over the Rockets in a game shortened to five innings by rain and lightning Wednesday.

It was the Eagles' lightning start that put a smile on coach Sue Greaves' face.

"We haven't scored many runs in the early innings this season," Greaves said. "I think getting a lead like that helps us become more confident fielding."

Almost two weeks ago, Grove City (3-4, 1-3) lost a 5-3 decision on its home field to Slippery Rock (2-6, 1-3). The Eagles committed five errors in that game and let the Rockets' final two runs score on passed balls.

It was a loss that stuck with Grove City. Revenge was certainly on its mind.

"They were saying on the bus, 'They made us lose on our home field. Let's make them lose on theirs,'" Greaves said.

The Eagles also had an impromptu team meeting before the game started.

"It wasn't a rah-rah meeting," Greaves said. "They were very motivated."

The big first inning was keyed by a leadoff triple by Steph Blakley, who scored on a two-run single by No. 3 hitter Anne Yetter.

The Eagles also got a two-run single from No. 9 hitter Kait Moretti to close out the big opening frame.

Falling behind by a handful so early was the worst case scenario for Slippery Rock coach Tom Wamsley.

"Any time you play a team like Grove City and you give up five runs in the first inning, you're going to have problems," he said.

Rockets pitcher Shanae White, who scattered six hits against the Eagles in the first game, had control problems Wednesday.

The sophomore struck out only one and walked seven. She also had defensive problems behind her as the Rockets committed three costly errors.

Only three of the eight runs White surrendered were earned.

"It was almost like the roles were reversed," Wamsley said. "The last time we played them, they made the costly mistakes. Today, we made the errors."

Krista Chiappini, however, was sharp in the circle for Grove City, striking out six and walking no one to pick up the win.

She was helped by her defense as the Eagles made just one error and made several stellar defensive plays behind her.

"They supported her today," Wamsley said.

Grove City, which was off to one of its poorer starts in several years, is right back in the playoff hunt after recording its first region victory.

A loss against the Rockets Wednesday would have put the Eagles in dire condition.

"Our defense is coming around," Greaves said. "Our bats are coming around. We picked up our first region win. It feels good."

Grove City 511 10 - 8 7 1

Slippery Rock 100 00 - 1 3 3

WP:

Krista Chiappini (5 IP) 6 strikeouts, 0 walks.

LP:

Shanae White (5 IP) 1 strikeout, 7 walks

Grove City (3-4, 1-3):

Steph Blakley 3B, 2-1B; Anne Yetter 1B, 2-RBI; Tara Walmsley 2B; Kari Barnes 1B, RBI; Chiappini RBI; Kait Moretti 1B, 2-RBI

Slippery Rock (2-6, 1-3):

Jenny Remington 1B; White 2B, RBI; Clarissa McKnight 1B

Today:

Jamestown at Slippery Rock

Friday:

Franklin at Grove City