PEORIA, Ill. - The Elmhurst University softball team opened the 2025 campaign on Friday (Feb. 21) at the Blue Angel Invite hosted by Mount Mary University.

Elmhurst fell to 0-2 after dropping games to No. 23 UW-Stevens Point and UW-Platteville. The Bluejay offense struggled to start, but ended the day with a stronger effort.

GAME ONE | UWSP 7, ELMHURST 0

UWSP took control early, scoring two runs in the first inning and maintaining their lead behind a strong pitching performance. The Pointers added three runs in the fifth and capped off their strong performance with two more in the seventh to seal the win. Elmhurst struggled offensively, managing only two hits throughout the game.

For Elmhurst, Clara Rice recorded one of the team's two hits, while Danielle Hood contributed the other with a triple. On the mound, Chiara O'Leary took the loss, allowing five earned runs on ten hits in 4.2 innings, while Hood finished the game in relief, giving up two more runs.

UWSP jumped ahead with two runs in the first inning thanks to early offensive pressure. The second, third, and fourth innings remained scoreless for both teams as Elmhurst's defense held strong but couldn't generate any offensive momentum. The fifth inning saw UWSP break through with three more runs. After a quiet sixth inning, the Pointers added two insurance runs in the seventh, including a home run, securing the dominant win.

GAME TWO | UWP 6, ELMHURST 2

Wisconsin-Platteville took control early and never looked back in a 6-2 victory over the Bluejays. Elmhurst managed to put runs on the board in the second and fourth innings but was unable to generate consistent offense against the Wisconsin-Platteville pitching staff. A three-run fourth inning by Platteville proved to be the difference, as their pitching held strong to secure the win.

For Elmhurst, Kaylee Aimone led the offense with a double and a run scored, while Brenna Morley and Maddie Kriech also contributed hits. On the mound, Kylie Hoyh pitched all seven innings, allowing six runs on six hits while striking out four. Despite a solid effort, Elmhurst's defense struggled with two errors, while their offense left four runners stranded.

In the first inning, Wisconsin-Platteville jumped ahead with two early runs. Elmhurst responded in the second with a run of their own but couldn't keep the momentum going. After a scoreless third, Wisconsin-Platteville broke the game open with three runs in the fourth, extending their lead to 5-1. Elmhurst answered with another run in the bottom of the fourth, but a Wisconsin-Platteville insurance run in the fifth made it 6-2. Neither team scored in the final two innings, as Wisconsin-Platteville's pitching shut the door to complete the win.

UP NEXT

The Bluejays are back in action at the Transylvania Pioneer Classic from Friday, March 14-Sunday, March 16.

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