CAPE CORAL, Fla. - Just one day after scoring 18 runs in its first two games of the season, the Rockford University softball team was unable to jumpstart its offense today as the Regents pushed across a total of two runs in both games combined. In the opening game against Olivet, Rockford managed just two hits and fell by a 3-0 final. The Regents' offense woke up during parts of the second game as Rockford was able to record 8 hits but ultimately lost by a 4-2 final to Kenyon.
Senior Sarah Moritz (Heyworth, Ill.) pitched extremely well against Olivet in her first outing of the season. Moritz threw a complete game scattering 8 hits while allowing just 3 runs. The right-hander also struck out 4 and walked just 1. From the third inning on Moritz really seemed to hit her stride as she allowed no runs on just three hits.
In the opening game, Rockford's best scoring opportunity came in the second inning. Junior Brittany Bura (Chicago, Ill.) began the inning with 9-pitch at bat where she eventually ripped a single into left center field for Rockford's first hit of the day. Three batters later, Rockford took advantage of an Olivet error putting runners on first and second with two outs. However, that is as close as the Regents would get all game long as Rockford did not get another runner into scoring position and fell by a 3-0 final.
In second game of the day, it was once again the pitching that shined for the Regents. Junior Brittany Bura recorded her second strong performance in as many starts this season. Bura tossed 6 solid innings surrendering just 1 earned run on six hits. Through her first two starts Bura has allowed only 3 earned runs in 12 innings of work and boasts a sparkling 1.75 earned run average.
The Rockford offense got off to a great start in game two against Kenyon. After a two-out walk, Brittany Bura singled through the left side of the infield giving the Regents an early scoring opportunity. Sophomore Stefaney Kenworthy (Veedersburg, Ind.) then took advantage with an RBI single into left field giving Rockford a quick 1-0 lead after one-half inning of play. Following a scoreless bottom of the first, Lynn Blakeley-Snyder (Winnebago, Ill.) led off the second with a triple into deep right field. One batter later, Ali Moore (Mascoutah, Ill.) made it a 2-0 game with a perfectly executed squeeze bunt.
Unfortunately, over the next few innings Rockford committed some costly mistakes and consequently found themselves now trailing 4-2. A throwing error in the bottom of the second led to an unearned run and cut Rockford's lead down to 2-1 after two innings of play. The Regents then missed out on scoring opportunities in both the third and fourth innings. In the third, Rockford had a runner get caught stealing ending its momentum. In the fourth, Lynn Blakeley-Snyder led off with a single, marking the third time in four innings Rockford had its leadoff batter reach base safely. However, the Regents then bunted into a double play to clear the bases. Senior Maranda Walker (Rockford, Ill.) then drove a two-out double deep into right center field putting another runner into scoring postion. However, the ladies were unable to capitalize as Walker was left stranded on second base. Kenyon then took advantage of Regent error in the bottom half of the fourth inning to score 3 runs and take the lead for the first time in the game.
Rockford had one final chance in the seventh as Ali Moore led off the inning with a single. After a stolen base and a passed ball moved her to third base with one out, it seemed as though Rockford may cut into the Kenyon lead. However, the Regents hit into a double play to end the game.
Brittany Bura and Lynn Blakeley-Snyder each tallied a multi-hit game on Monday. Bura went 2-for-3 against Kenyon and 1-for-3 against Olivet. Blakeley-Snyder went 2-for-3 with a triple and a run scored against Olivet.
The softball team returns to the diamond on Tuesday, March 10 at 9 AM EST against Drew and then at 11 AM EST against Wentworth.
