The Valparaiso University softball team came out on the wrong end of a pair of decisions for the first time this season on Saturday at the Purple/Gold Challenge in Nashville, Tenn, falling to host Lipscomb, 7-0, and to Eastern Illinois, 12-5.
How It Happened – Lipscomb
- The Crusaders struggled to put together scoring threats in the day’s opener, as they were unable to advance a runner past second base against Lipscomb.
- Meanwhile, the Lady Bison scored four runs in the second to take the lead for good, and added a single run in the third and two in the sixth.
How It Happened – Eastern Illinois
- Valpo got out to a fast start versus EIU, scoring a pair of runs in the second inning. Junior Jasmine Ramirez (Litchfield Park, Ariz./Millennium) singled with two outs, and sophomore Jaymee Lawton (Goodyear, Ariz./Desert Edge [Utah Valley]) followed with her first home run as a Crusader.
- Singles from senior Jorgi Calombaris (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) and sophomore Carly Trepanier (Manteno, Ill./Manteno) and an EIU error loaded the bases for the Crusaders with one out in the third.
- Senior Sam Stewart (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) drew a bases-loaded walk to drive in a run, and junior Jenna Stauffenberg (Kankakee, Ill./Bishop McNamara) delivered a two-run single to extend the Crusader lead to 5-0 through three innings.
- The Panthers rallied for the win, however, connecting on two-run homers in the fourth and fifth innings and then scoring eight two-out runs in the sixth.
Inside the Games
- Trepanier led Valpo in the opener, going 2-for-4 at the plate, while Stewart drew a pair of walks versus Lipscomb.
- Trepanier followed with a 3-for-4 effort in the nightcap against EIU. Lawton also reached base twice against the Panthers with a hit and a walk.
- The Crusaders were just 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position over the two games.
- Junior Mackenzie Grossmann (Perry, Mo./Mark Twain [Morehead State]) took the loss in both outings on Saturday, falling to 1-2 on the year.
- Saturday’s losses were the first of the year for the Crusaders, snapping a five-game winning streak to start the season.
Next Up
The Crusaders (5-2) look to close out the weekend on a winning note as they take on Stony Brook at 10 a.m. Live stats will be available via ValpoAthletics.com.