Softball sweeps Lawrence in home opener

GREENVILLE, Ill. - The softball team improved to 4-0 on the season with a doubleheader sweep against Lawrence in their home opener. They took game one 5-1 and dominated 14-5 in game two.

How it Happened:

Game 1:

Lawrence struck first in the top of the third inning. However, the Panthers responded in the bottom half of the inning as Natalee Moore's groundout plated Josie Grunloh to tie the game at 1-1.

The Panthers took control in the fourth inning, sparked by Emma Longcor's RBI triple. Grunloh added an RBI bunt single, and Moore followed with a sacrifice fly to push the lead to 4-1.

Longcor delivered again in the fifth with an RBI single, securing the 5-1 advantage. She led GU with her two RBIs, hitting 1.000. 

Pitcher Melissa Bernal was dominant for Greenville, throwing a complete game with five strikeouts while allowing just four hits.

Game 2:

Greenville jumped ahead early, scoring two runs in each of the first two innings, including a two-run homer by Natalee Moore in the second.

Lawrence responded in the third, cutting the deficit to 4-2. However, Greenville erupted for five runs in the bottom half of the frame, capitalizing on timely hits and a defensive miscue.

Lawrence showed life in the fifth with a three-run homer, but Greenville answered back with two runs in the fifth and a two-run homer by Makenna Budde in the sixth to seal the win.

Moore excelled at the plate, going 3-for-3 with three RBIs. 

Valerie Greenley earned the victory in relief. Greenville outhit Lawrence 17-5 in the win. 

Up Next:

The Panthers (0-4) head to Elizabethtown, Kentucky for their spring break tournament at Transylvania. Their first matchup is against Anderson (Ind.) on Friday.