LISLE, Ill. - Following yesterday's postponement, the Rockford University softball team began NACC play on Sunday with a road doubleheader at perennial NACC power Benedictine University. The Eagles showed why they were picked to finish second in the preseason poll as they defeated the Regents by a final of 8-0 in each of the two games. 

In the opener, the Regents were hurt by a pair of big innings from the Eagles. Benedictine used a four-run fourth inning and a three-run sixth inning to propel themselves to an 8-0 win. Despite being shutout, Rockford did have multiple scoring opportunities but were unable to cash in. The Regents best scoring opportunity came in the top of the fourth inning when Sarah Moritz (Heyworth, Ill./Heyworth) and Stefaney Kenworthy (Veedersburg, Ind./Fountain Central) led off the inning with back-to-back singles placing runners on first and second with no outs. However, the ladies were unable to advance either runner killing any hopes of a late rally.

Game two had a similar feel to it as once again Benedictine used the big inning to defeat Rockford. The Eagles scored three runs in both the second and fourth innings with a two-run third inning sandwiched in-between for a second straight 8-0 win. Rockford struggled to get anything going offensively as the Regents were held just one hit. Senior Jessica Bjerning (Wauconda, Ill./Mundelein) delivered the lone hit in the top of the second inning when she laced a one-out single into right field. Bjerning continues to be Rockford's top hitter as she still leads the team with a sizzling .455 batting average this season.

Rockford wraps up its tough opening stretch to begin NACC play on Monday when the Regents host preseason favorite Aurora University. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 3:00 p.m. at the Smith Athletic Field on the campus of Rockford University.