Softball hurdles over Hanover on Leap Day with home doubleheader sweep

GREENVILLE, Ill. - The softball team opened their 2024 season with a pair of wins against Hanover at Panther Field. GU won game one 3-1 before taking the second game 9-2.

In the first game the Panthers took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first and added an insurance run in the fourth inning.

Greenville finished with six hits in the game, led by Destiny Dunlap with a 2-for-3 performance.

Madi Case went 1-for-4 with a run and an RBI, and Emma Longcor hit 1-for-2 with one RBI.

Sydnee Garrett debuted in the circle for Greenville and pitched all seven innings for the win, allowing one run on three hits and three walks with eight strikeouts.

Greenville's prolific offense showed up in game two as the Panthers collected 15 hits and scored in every inning.

Josie Grunloh and Jayden Zamora each collected three hits in four at bats with two runs scored. Grunloh added an RBI.

Garrett was 2-for-4 with one run and one RBI, and Dunlap posted an offensive performance with two hits in three at bats with one run scored and two RBI.

Sarah Salas and Melissa Bernal combined in the circle to hold Hanover to only two runs.

Salas recorded the win with five strikeouts over four innings, only permitting one run on four hits.

Bernal picked up the save with three innings in which she only allowed one run on five hits.

The Panthers (2-0) will host Lawrence on Saturday at 12 p.m.