ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Rockford University softball team split a doubleheader with the Elmhurst University Bluejays, winning game one 8-0 and falling in game two 9-0. The Opener belonged to Rockford as the Regents did all of their scoring over three innings and eventually closed the game out in five innings. RU also got a terrific start from starting pitcher
Bella Lima in the circle, who tossed her second complete game shutout of the season. Game two was almost exactly opposite, with the Bluejays doing all of the scoring in this game, while holding the Regent bats at bay for the entire game. This ultimately allowed Elmhurst to take game two by a final score of 9-0 and force the split with the Regents.
Game 1
- RU starting pitcher Bella Lima was dominant in her start, holding Elmhurst scoreless for the entire game, allowing just six hits on the afternoon.
- The Regent offense was rolling early as well, with a single run scored in the first inning. Kariana Williams gave the Regents the lead with an RBI single to make it 1-0 early.
- Rockford followed that up with a four-run bottom of the second. After a leadoff single by Makayla Howard and a Blue Jays error, Rockford struck with an RBI single by Sophia Husley.
- The Regents Added to that with an RBI double by Chayton Krueger, a sacrifice fly from Olivia Lysaght and an RBI double by Kariana Williams to give RU a 5-0 lead.
- Neither team scored again until the fourth inning, where the Regents struck again, this time for three, all with two outs.
- After Rockford loaded the bases with two outs, Payton Willenkamp came through with a bases-clearing double to give the Regents an 8-0 lead and put them three outs away from the win via the mercy rule.
- With the mercy rule in play, Bella Lima was able to record the final three outs for the Regents, securing the complete game shutout and the 8-0 win for Rockford.
Game 2
- This time the Bluejays struck first, plating a single run in the top of the first on an RBI double to take an early 1-0 advantage.
- Elmhurst added to its lead with two more runs in the second inning thanks to a two-run double that made it 3-0.
- Rockford threatened to cut into the lead with back-to-back singles to leadoff the bottom of the second. Unfortunately, Elmhurst starting pitcher Emily Lenczewsk was able to wiggle her way out of the jam, keeping the Regents scoreless.
- The Regents did the same in the bottom of the fourth, getting the first two runners on base, but could not get anything going beyond that.
- The Bluejays took control of the game with five runs scored over the fifth and seventh innings to give Elmhurst a commanding 9-0 lead with just three outs left for the Regents.
- Rockford struggled to get things going offensively for a large part of this game, ultimately allowing the Bluejays to record the final three outs to secure the 9-0 win and force the split.
Game 1
- Bella Lima was phenomenal in the circle over her complete game shutout, allowing 6 hits and racking up two punchouts on the afternoon.
- Chayton Krueger finished 2-for-3 with a double, two runs scored and an RBI.
- Kariana Williams was 2-for-3 with a double, 2 RBIs and a run scored.
- Payton Willenkamp finished 1-for-3 with a double and 3 RBIs.
Game 2
