MILWAUKEE, Wis. - The Rockford University softball team earned a critical split on the road Saturday afternoon at MSOE. Game one was significantly closer than what the final score might indicate, as Rockford led until the bottom of the fifth. However, it was the Raiders' sixth-run fifth inning that proved to be the difference, as MSOE took the opener by a final score of 8-2. The nightcap got off to a fast start with the teams combining to score five runs in the first. However, this time it was the Regents who exploded for a four-run fifth en route to winning game two by a final score of 9-4. Rockford's game two win was its first victory at MSOE since the 2012 season.
Game 1
- The Regents struck for a run in the second and another in the fourth to grab a 2-0 lead.
- Rockford's first hit of the game came when Payton Willenkamp blasted a leadoff home run in the top of the second to put Rockford out in front 1-0.
- Following a scoreless third, Michaela Froehlich began the fourth with leadoff double down the left field line. Rockford then capitalized on a Raider error to plate a run and extend its lead to 2-0.
- Unfortunately, things quickly went south for the Regents over the next three innings.
- MSOE cut the RU lead in half with a run off two hits in the bottom of the fourth to make it 2-1 game.
- The Raiders then exploded for six runs off five hits in the bottom of the fifth to take a commanding 7-2 advantage.
- MSOE added an additional run in the sixth off three hits en route to winning game one by a final score of 8-2.
Game 2
- The nightcap got off to a fast start with both teams scoring multiple runs in the first inning.
- Rockford struck for two runs off three hits. Payton Willenkamp drove in the first run of the game off an RBI double to left center. Three batters later, Mia Cosentino knocked in a run with an RBI single through the left side of the infield to put her team out in front 2-0.
- That lead did not last long though, as the Raiders hit right back with a trio of unearned runs in the bottom half of the inning to take a 3-2 lead.
- However, Rockford was able to tie the game in the third and then take the lead for good in the fifth.
- Payton Willenkamp tied the game with a solo shot, her second home run of the day, to begin the third.
- Following a scoreless fourth, the Regents plated four runs to take a 7-3 lead. Sophia Hulsey and Mia Cosentino drove in a run on a walk and a single respectively. Rockford's other two runs came on a Raider error to give the Regents a four-run advantage.
- Rockford added two more runs in the sixth and seventh innings off solo home runs by Kariana Williams and Bella Lima.
- Rockford's nine runs were more than enough for starting pitcher Kariana Williams. Williams was dialed in all game long, allowing just one earned run over her seven innings inside the circle. She held MSOE to a single run over the final six innings en route to helping the Regents secure a 9-4 victory.
Game 1
Game 2
- Payton Willenkamp finished 2-for-3 with a home run, a double, 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored.
- Kariana Williams was 2-for-4 with a home run, 2 runs scored and an RBI. Williams also pitched her eighth complete game of the season. She allowed just 1 earned run and struck out a career-high 9 batters.
- Mia Cosentino went 2-for-3 with 2 RBIs and a run scored.
- Chayton Krueger finished 2-for-5 with a run scored and a stolen base.
