BELOIT, Wis.- The Rockford University softball team returned for their first games after the spring trip in Florida. The Regents took on the Buccaneers of Beloit College. Rockford played very well in the first game to earn their second victory of the season by the final of 5-0. Unfortunately, the Regents fell by the final of 3-2 in the second game.
The Regents were able to strike first when Brooke Burris (Galatia, Ill.) roped a double down the left field line to drive in Lisa Blakeley-Snyder (Winnebago, Ill.) and Stefaney Kenworthy (Veedersburg, Ind.). Rockford took the lead 2-0 after the big two-run double in the first inning. The Regents scored their final three runs in the fifth inning when Caitlin Eiben (Racine, Wis.) laced a three-run double plating Brittany Bihun (Schaumburg, Ill.), Taylor Pilarczyk (Chicago, Ill.) and Burris. Ultimately, Rockford won by the final of 5-0.
Pitching for the Regents was Brooke Burris. She was phenomenal hurling a complete game shutout. Burris allowed only hits and struck out 5 while walking none. The complete game shutout was the first of her collegiate career.
In game two, Rockford was able to strike first again in the second inning when Pilarczyk scampered home on a wild pitch. The Regents took the early 1-0 lead. Unfortunately, Beloit scored the next three runs to take a 3-1 lead into the final inning. Rockford fought back to scratch a run across in the seventh inning when Bihun hit an RBI groundout to plate Shannon LeGath (Sturtevant, Wis.). Ultimately, the Regents left the bases loaded and were unable to tack on another run. Rockford fell by the final of 3-2.
Pitching for the Regents was Stefaney Kenworthy. She threw a complete game allowing three runs, all earned, on eight hits and striking out 4. It is now her fifth complete game of the season.
Leading the Regents offensively were Brooke Burris going 2-for-5 with a two-run double and two walks. Taylor Pilarczyk went 3-for-4 with two runs scored. Caitlin Eiben went 2-for-6 with a three-run double. Lisa Blakeley-Snyder added two hits on the day.
The RU softball team returns to action Sunday, March 26 against Mount Mary University at the Smith Athletic Field with a scheduled start time of 11 a.m.
