DECATUR, Ill. – The Elmhurst University softball team suffered a 5-4 loss to Augustana College in the opening game of the 2021 CCIW Softball Tournament.
 
Elmhurst (9-21) fell behind early as Augustana (14-25) jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead in the first inning The Vikings took advantage of a pair of Elmhurst errors in score three unearned runs.

Elmhurst cut the lead in half with a pair of runs in the third. Alyssa Filkowski put the Bluejays on the scoreboard with an RBI single. Jenna Geraci added an RBI single to make the score 4-2.
 
The Vikings added a run in the fifth on a Claire Weeks' RBI single to make the score 5-2. The game came to a halt in the sixth inning due to rain and lightening, but when play resumed, the Bluejays added to their scoreboard total. Amaya Chavez knocked in a  run on a fielder's choice and an error on the play allowed Karly Krown to come around and score as well, making the score 5-4. A flyout ended the Bluejays' scoring threat in the sixth.
 
The Bluejays were retired in order in the seventh as the Vikings hung on to the 5-4 victory.
 
The Bluejays finished with five singles on the day.

Jena Hicks made the start and took the loss for Elmhurst. Hicks worked all six innings, scattering eight hits and allowing just two earned runs. She struck out two while not issuing a walk.
 
Elmhurst will face North Park University in the consolation bracket of the double-elimination tournament on Saturday, May 8, at Illinois Wesleyan University. The game will begin at 12:00 p.m.