Softball wins one of two at Blackburn

CARLINVILLE, Ill. - The softball team dominated Blackburn 13-0 in game one and found themselves limited to just three runs in a 4-3 loss in game two as they split two games on Saturday. Melissa Bernal led the Panthers in game one with a five-inning no hitter.

In Greenville's 13-0 game one win, Emma Funk led GU's offense with a 3-for-3 effort. Madi Case, Morgan Wendling, Desirae Yost, Jaclyn Belzer, and Taylor Weiss all added two hits.

Belzer had a first inning three-run home run that set the tone. Yost, Mia Boyd, and Weiss posted extra base hits.

GU had three runs in the first inning, one in the second, five in the fourth, and four in the fifth to build an insurmountable lead.

Bernal had the Beavers handcuffed all day, working five innings and only allowing four walks while striking out two.

In game two, Greenville took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third with an RBI single from Belzer, but Blackburn scored four runs, one earned, off of Boyd with a grand slam in the third inning.

The Panthers rallied in the seventh, placing the tying run in scoring position with an RBI double from Belzer to make it a one run game, but the Panthers were retired.

Belzer added three hits in game two, and Wendling had a pair of hits.

Boyd was the starting pitcher and worked 2.1 innings. Alison Klaus relieved Boyd with 3.2 innings and only permitted two hits and two walks while collecting seven strikeouts.

The Panthers (8-16, 2-4 SLIAC) will play Westminster on Thursday in Greenville.