SLIPPERY ROCK — It appeared as though the Slippery Rock softball team was going to let one final opportunity slip from its grasp.

But the Rockets responded just in time.

Slippery Rock entered the bottom of the seventh inning trailing Grove City 2-1 after leaving five runners on base over the previous three innings.

The Rockets (6-6, 6-6) received a leadoff single from Alyssa Newcomb to open the seventh, but after one out, she was caught stealing second.

Down to their final out, the Rockets tallied four straight hits.

Erin Ferguson singled home Morgan Robinson to tie the game and, two batters later, Lindsay Bennett singled in Ferguson for a 3-2 win Monday afternoon.

Bennett had Slippery Rock's lone two hits through four innings off of Grove City starter and eventual loser Chelsea Filer.

"Most definitely, I had confidence in Lindsay," said Rockets' coach Zoe McDowell. "But the other girls in front of her came up with some big hits as well.

"These girls have been playing this way the whole season," McDowell added. "They never give up. That's why you play the whole game."

After Grove City catcher Becky Brahaney threw out Newcomb at second base to empty the bases with two outs, Robinson lined a single to right field, where the ball skipped past Leah Yauger and bounced to the fence, allowing Robinson to sprint to third base.

Ferguson's RBI base hit was followed by Sam Volponi's double down the left field line, bringing Bennett to the plate.

The Rockets' first run came in the sixth inning when Shawna Pence's base hit plated Ferguson.

But Filer avoided further damage in the inning when she got Jamie Laughner to ground out, as the Rockets stranded runners at second and third base for the second straight inning.

But Slippery Rock finally broke through in the final inning.

"Yeah, I thought Chelsea would get out of that last jam in the seventh," said Grove City coach Shawnee Denbow. "After we caught the one girl stealing, the bases were empty with two outs. But a ball that is misplayed and rolls to the fence, that can cost you in a game like this."

Robinson picked up the win while striking out five and walking one.

After surrendering two runs on five hits through four innings, she allowed just one baserunner in the last three frames, and that was because of a fielding error.

"She was right on today," said McDowell of her pitcher. "The girls were so geared up to play today.

"Our game on Friday (against Sharpsville) was canceled and I gave the players the weekend off and I think it paid off."

Grove City (10-6, 9-5) grabbed a quick 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning.

With one out, Felicia King scored on a passed ball and Brahaney's single drove home Courtney Chutz.

Grove City 200 000 0—2 5 2Slippery Rock 000 001 2—3 11 2Two outs when winning run scoredW: Morgan Robinson 7IP (5 K, 1 BB).

L: Chelsea Filer 6X\cIP (5 K, 1 BB).

Grove City (10-6, 9-5): Felicia King R SB, Courtney Chutz 1B R SB, Chelsea Filer 1B, Becky Brahaney 1B RBI, Casey Carrara 1B, Kylie Dickey 1B

Slippery Rock (6-6, 6-6): Jessi Hotz 1B, Morgan Robinson 1B R, Erin Ferguson 2-1B 2R RBI, Sam Volponi 2B, Lindsay Bennett 2-1B 2B RBI, Shawna Pence 1B RBI, Holly Pendel 1B SB, Alyssa Newcomb 1B

Wednesday: Slippery Rock at Sharon; Mercer at Grove City