FORT MYERS, Fla.- The Rockford University softball team (4-1) fell 9-1 on Friday morning to the Drew University Rangers (10-1). The game was actually much closer than what the final score might indicate, as Rockford trailed just 2-1 entering the bottom of the fourth of the inning. However, the Rangers struck for seven runs in the fourth to blow the game wide open. Rockford was unable to score a run in the top of the fifth to extend the game and consequently fell for the first time this season. Rockford had chances to score throughout the game, but unfortunately struggled to get a key hit with runners in scoring position. The Regents left nine runners on base and had a runner in scoring position in four of the five innings, but were only able to scratch across one run.
- Following a scoreless top of the first inning, the Rangers plated a pair of runs in the bottom half of the frame. Drew opened the game with three straight singles to grab a 1-0 lead and then drove in a run on an RBI groundout, to make it a 2-0 game after one inning of play.
- The Regents had an excellent chance to cut into the Drew lead in the second. Michaela Spanbauer and Isabella Intravaia began the inning with back-to-back singles to put runners on first and second with no one out. After a pair of strikeouts, Rockford took advantage of a Ranger error to load the bases. Unfortunately, Drew retired the next batter to wiggle out of the jam and keep it a 2-run game.
- Rockford was able to get on the board with a single run in the top of the third and cut the Ranger lead in half. Jocelyn Callahan reached via a one-out walk and then stole second to work her way into scoring position. Senior Michaela Spanbauer followed with a clutch 2-out RBI single into right, to make it a 2-1 ballgame.
- The score remained 2-1 until the bottom of the fourth, when Drew sent 13 batters to the plate. The Rangers scored seven runs in the inning off five hits and took a commanding 9-1 advantage.
- Rockford got a pair of runners on in the top of the fifth via a walk and a hit by pitch, but unfortunately, the Regents were unable to score a run and extend the game.
