The Illinois Springfield softball team faced No. 19 McKendree at Bearcat Field on Sunday, suffering two losses with final scores of 4-0 and 7-0.
In the first game, UIS managed just two hits.
Rebecca Neupauer reached base on an error in the first inning and stole second, but UIS wasn't able to capitalize on the runner in scoring position.
Rachel McMullen also added a hit in the third. The game was defined by strong defensive plays until the sixth inning when McKendree broke through with a four-run surge. Laynee Tapp and Jasmine Myers reached base, leading to a three-run homer followed by a solo shot. UIS had a final chance in the seventh when
Bailey Masching singled, and pinch runner
Sophie Rivera advanced to third but was stranded as the final out was recorded.
Calista Stahlhut pitched a complete game for UIS, keeping the nationally-ranked Bearcats at bay for five innings.
In the second game, UIS combined for four hits, including a double by
Rosie Bartletti. The first four innings were once again scoreless for both sides. However, the fifth inning marked a turning point as McKendree took the lead. An error and a two-RBI single helped put McKendree ahead 4-0. The UIS offense fell silent in the sixth, while McKendree extended its lead with a three-run home run, concluding the scoring at 7-0.
Rosie Bartletti got the start in the circle, tossing four innings as two unearned runs scored and striking out five.
Alexis Carroll came on in relief for an inning, and
Addy Girard closed the game with a scoreless final frame.
UIS now holds a record of 28-16 and is 12-10 in conferenceplay , while McKendree improves to 34-10 and 15-5 in conference play.
UIS has just one doubleheader next weekend, first pitch is set for 11:00 a.m. CT.
