Alice Lloyd softball plays at IUPU-Columbus

Columbus, IN:  On March 17th, the Alice Lloyd College Lady Eagles softball team journeyed to the Hoosier State to face the IUPU-Columbus Crimson Pride in a two-game conference series. The Lady Eagles had an uncharacteristically rough go of things as they dropped both contests. This places their record at 12-10 (1-5 RSC) while IUPUC moves to 3-11 (3-5 RSC).

Game 1

Alice Lloyd-1; IUPUC-9

The Lady Eagles were never able to get their bats going as they dropped the opener.

ALC did strike in the first inning when Maleigh McDaniel connected on a fast ball and drove it out of the park for a 1-0 lead. Unfortunately, that would prove to be the high point offensively.

In the Crimson Pride second, a double lead to a pair of runs to give them a 2-1 advantage. They followed that up in the third when a double and pair of errors produced two more scores (4-1).

ALC had a chance in the fourth when they placed two runners in scoring position. Unfortunately, a grounder ended the threat.

The Indiana squad then put the contest on ice in the bottom of the inning as they utilized four singles and a double to produce a windfall of five runs. Suddenly, the hosts led 9-1. They would then retire the Bluegrass ladies in the fifth to seal the deal on the win.

It was a rough day offensively for the visitors as McDaniel's homer and RBI, along with Aspyn Branham's (3B) single, was the only offense their squad could muster.

McDaniel started on the mound and took the loss. She lasted 3.1 innings, allowing 8 hits and 8 runs., She was relieved by Rylee Cox, who gave up 1 hit with 1 whiff in her .2 innings of work.

IUPUC won the hitting battle, 9-2. ALC did have 3 stolen bases, but also hurt themselves immensely with 4 errors.

GAME 2

Alice Lloyd- 10; IUPUC-14

ALC saw their bats awaken in the nightcap, but it still wasn't enough to pull out the win.

The Columbus squad loaded the bases in the very first inning, and then drove a big triple to bring them all home, 3-0.

In the top of the second, ALC answered when, after two runners reached base, a double from McDaniel (SS) delivered both runs (3-2). However, IU earned one of those back in the bottom half with a single (4-2).

The third was a nice inning for the Pippa Passes squad. After a Branham single and double from Mckenzie Orfield (DP), a ground ball and wild pitch permitted the pair of Eagles to score (4-4). Later, when pitcher Kirsten Vice connected on a solo blast, ALC led, 5-4. However, it would be short-lived.

In the same inning, IUPUC used a double and trio of singles to maximum advantage, scoring four runs. Just like that, the hosts regained the lead, 8-5.

The fourth started well for the Caney Creek crew. A single from Aubree Laster (LF), walk from McDaniel and single from Rachel Rife (LF) plated a run (8-6). Unfortunately, with the opportunity to afflict more damage, a double play ball ended the threat.

The fifth inning proved vital for the hosts when after a single handed them a score (9-6), a two-run shot added to the advantage (11-6).

Once again, the visitors fought back, and produced their best inning. In the sixth, a Cox (2B) single and McDaniel double were aided by an error. This helped cut into the lead substantially. After the third out was recorded, ALC only trailed 11-10, and a comeback seemed within reach.

Disappointingly, the Crimson Pride would not be denied. Two wild pitches, three walks, and a crucial error proved disastrous for Alice Lloyd as three IU runners raced home for a 14-10 cushion.

Now sparked by this change in momentum, the Hoosier club ended the day by striking out the side in the final inning to earn the sweep.

For the Lady Eagles, McDaniel and Rife both contributed a pair of hits and combined for 5 RBI's.

On the mound, Vice took the loss, allowing 11 hits, and 8 runs, in 3.1 innings. She punched out 2 batters. Kinna Justice came in and retired both batters she faced.

Orfield and Carly Creech relieved and allowed 5 and 3 runs respectively, while Katie Samuel closed the day.

The Lady Eagles were outhit 16-9 and both squads committed 3 errors. Surprisingly, ALC saw the hosts hold a big advantage in steals, 11-2.