Softball splits with Crowley's Ridge

GREENVILLE, Ill. - The softball team split with Crowley's Ridge, topping the Pioneers 5-0 in the first game but taking their first loss of the season in game two. 

How it Happened:

Game 1

Greenville remained unbeaten with a dominant 5-0 shutout victory, striking early as Sarah Salas drove in Josie Grunloh with an RBI single in the first inning.

The Panthers extended their lead in the fourth when Makenna Budde delivered an RBI single, scoring Jayden Zamora. Budde provided the knockout blow in the sixth, blasting a three-run homer to right-center, plating Patricia Rodriguez and Emma Longcor.

Salas was brilliant in the circle, tossing a complete-game shutout while striking out ten and allowing just four hits.

Greenville's offense tallied eleven hits, with Budde leading the way with four RBIs and a 2-for-3 game.

Game 2

Despite out-hitting Crowley's Ridge 9-7, Greenville was unable to capitalize on key opportunities, falling 4-1 to the Pioneers.

The game remained scoreless through two innings before Crowley's Ridge struck in the third, scoring three runs on a combination of a double, a groundout, and a single.

Greenville quickly responded in the bottom half when Natalee Moore doubled to center, driving in Grunloh to cut the deficit to 3-1.

Greenville continued to threaten but left seven runners on base throughout the game. A costly seventh-inning home run by Crowley's Ridge extended the lead to 4-1, sealing the Panthers' fate.

Sydnee Garrett took the loss, allowing three runs over four innings. 

Up Next:

The Panthers (13-1) host Monmouth (Ill.) on Saturday for another doubleheader.