PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill. - The Elmhurst University softball team fell in game one, and ended game two in a tie in a doubleheader at Trinity Christian on Friday (March 21) afternoon.
GAME ONE | ELMHURST 1, TRINITY CHRISTIAN 4
The Trolls took game one, 4-1, as TCCÂ capitalized on timely hitting and strong pitching to secure the victory. Elmhurst managed four hits but was only able to push across one run, while Trinity Christian tallied eight hits and four runs.
Offensively, Mikayla Brown led Elmhurst with a single and a stolen base, while Gianna Amundsen added a hit, a run scored, and a stolen base. Hailee Jenkins and Chiara O'Leary each recorded a hit as well. Pitcher Kylie Hoyh took the loss despite a complete game, allowing four runs (three earned) on eight hits with four strikeouts over six innings.
The game began with Trinity Christian taking an early lead in the first inning, scoring one run on two hits and taking advantage of a wild pitch. Elmhurst had a scoring opportunity as Brown singled and stole second but was left stranded. Both teams were held scoreless in the second inning, with Elmhurst being kept hitless and Hoyh retiring the side. In the third inning, Trinity Christian extended their lead by adding two runs on three hits, using timely singles and productive outs to their advantage. Elmhurst responded in the fourth inning when Amundsen reached base, stole second, and eventually scored on O'Leary's single, cutting the deficit to 3-1. However, Trinity Christian answered back with an insurance run on a hit and a fielder's choice to push the lead to 4-1.
The fifth inning saw both teams go down quietly without any offensive production, while the sixth inning featured a strong inning from Hoyh, who retired the side in order, though Elmhurst remained hitless in their turn at bat. In the seventh inning, Elmhurst could not mount a comeback, as Trinity Christian closed out the game with a clean inning, securing the 4-1 victory. Halmon earned the win for Trinity Christian, pitching a complete game while allowing just four hits, one walk, and striking out seven batters.
GAME TWO | ELMHURST 3, TRINITY CHRISTIAN 3
The two teams fought until the end, but ended in a 3-3, as Trinity Christian managed to secure the tie after six hard-fought innings.
Offensively, Ali Mockenhaupt led the way for Elmhurst, going 2-for-4 with a double and scoring two runs. Brown and Danielle Hood each contributed two hits and an RBI, while Clara Rice added one hit and an RBI. Pitcher E. Lenczewsk threw four innings, allowing one earned run on six hits while striking out five batters. Mockenhaupt also pitched two innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits.
The game started quietly as both teams were held scoreless through the first two innings. In the third inning, Elmhurst broke the deadlock with a run, but Trinity Christian responded in the fourth with a run of their own to tie the game at 1-1. Elmhurst regained the lead in the fifth with another run, but Trinity Christian remained persistent, adding two runs in the sixth to take a 3-2 lead. Elmhurst managed to even the score again with a run in the sixth, setting up a dramatic seventh inning that ultimately ended without further scoring from either side, resulting in a 3-3 tie.
UP NEXT
The Bluejays take on Beloit College on the road on Saturday, March 22, with a doubleheader beginning at 12:00 p.m.
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