ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Rockford University softball team won 6-0 in the opener and fell 3-2 in 8 innings to the Wheaton College Thunder on Wednesday afternoon. Game one was all Rockford as the RU offense scored one in the first, one in the second, two in the fourth and two more in the fifth, highlighted by a two-run swat from
Jocelyn Callahan in the fourth. Rockford starting pitcher
Bella Lima also delivered a masterful performance in the circle, tossing a 2-hit shutout en route to the convincing win in game one. The nightcap was more of a close battle as both teams got out to a 2-2 score throughout the early stages of the game, ultimately needing extra innings to decide it. Unfortunately, Wheaton scored the go-ahead run in the top of the 8th, but Rockford did make it interesting in the bottom of the 8th. The Regents put the tying run on second with one out, but unfortunately the Thunder were able to record the final two outs to secure the game two win and force the split.
Game 1: Rockford 6 Wheaton 0
- After a scoreless top of the first, the Regents struck first in their half of the inning. Jocelyn Callahan led off the inning with a walk, stole second and Kariana Williams brought her in with an RBI double down the line to give RU the early 1-0 advantage.
- Rockford doubled its lead with another run in the second thanks to a two-out triple from Olivia Lysaght, who came around to score on an RBI from Jocelyn Callahan to make it 2-0.
- RU starting pitcher Bella Lima was absolutely masterful in the circle, completely holding the Thunder offense in check, not allowing a hit until the third inning and only allowing two the entire afternoon.
- The Regents added two more runs in the bottom of the fourth as Jocelyn Callahan whacked a two-run home run over the right field wall to give Rockford a 4-0 lead.
- For the second straight inning Rockford plated two runs. Sophia Hulsey drove in the first run of the inning on a sacrifice fly and Kayla Wiedemann scored the final run of the inning on a wild pitch to make it 6-0 Regents.
- The score remained unchanged over the final two innings, as starting pitcher Bella Lima was still in control of the Thunder lineup. She eventually retired the final batter of the game in the seventh to secure the 6-0 victory and complete game shutout.
Game 2: Wheaton 3 Rockford 2 (8 Innings)
- Wheaton broke the scoreless tie in the top of the second as they plated a single run on an RBI single for an early 1-0 lead.
- The Regents took the lead with two runs on two hits in the third inning. Rockford scored its first run of the inning on a Thunder error and with Sophia Hulsey on third, Alexis Schuldt drove her in with a sacrifice fly to give RU a 2-1 lead.
- The Thunder quickly equalized the game with a single run in the top of the 4th to make it 2-2.
- Rockford's Kariana Williams and Wheaton's Kennedy Kemp held both offenses scoreless over the next three innings, only allowing two hits between the two of them.
- The Regents did have an opportunity to win the game in the bottom of the 7th, having a runner in scoring position with one out, but the next two batters were retired in order, forcing extra innings.
- Unfortunately, Wheaton was finally able to break through with a run in the top of the 8th on a go-ahead RBI single by Paige Andrews to take a 3-2 lead.
- The Regents did battle in the bottom of the 8th, getting the tying run to second with one out, but unfortunately the Thunder were able to record the final two outs of the inning to secure the 3-2 victory and ultimately force the split.
Game 1
- Bella Lima was absolutely phenomenal in the circle, firing a 2-hit shutout for her first career complete game and shutout. She racked up 2 punchouts on the afternoon as well.
- Jocelyn Callahan provided a 1-for-2 performance with a two-run homer for her first of the season, 2 runs scored, 3 RBIs, 2 stolen bases and a walk.
- Kariana Williams was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI.
- Neelah Vandeberg went 2-for-3.
- Olivia Lysaght finished 1-for-3 with a triple and 2 runs scored.
Game 2
- Kariana Williams fired a solid 8.0 innings of work, allowing 7 hits, 3 runs and a walk, while racking up 4 strikeouts. At the plate she was 1-for-4.
- Neelah Vandeberg finished 2-for-4.
