AURORA, Ill. - The Elmhurst University softball team earned a doubleheader split with Aurora Tuesday afternoon, dropping the opening game 9-3 before taking game two, 6-4.

Game 1: Aurora 9, Elmhurst 3

Aurora controlled the first game of the doubleheader, defeating Elmhurst 9-3 behind strong hitting and steady pitching. The Spartans took an early lead, scoring twice in the first three innings, while Elmhurst remained scoreless. The Bluejays responded in the third with two runs to make it a close game, but Aurora's offense continued to apply pressure. After a quiet fourth inning, Elmhurst added another run in the fifth, briefly closing the gap, but Aurora countered and maintained control. The game was decided in the sixth inning when Aurora exploded for four runs, putting the game out of reach. Both teams went scoreless in the seventh as Aurora secured the win.

Elmhurst tallied 10 hits but struggled to capitalize on scoring chances. Bailey Proffitt contributed a hit and a run, while Danielle Hood went 2-for-4 with a stolen base. Bella Swift provided a key two-run double, but Elmhurst's offense couldn't keep pace. Pitching was a struggle, as the Bluejays allowed 11 hits and four walks while failing to record a strikeout.

Game 2: Elmhurst 6, Aurora 4

Elmhurst rebounded in the second game with a strong 6-4 victory, fueled by timely hitting and a resilient pitching effort. The Bluejays struck first with a run in the opening inning and remained in control throughout. After a scoreless second, Elmhurst erupted for three runs in the third, giving them a comfortable lead. Both teams were kept off the scoreboard in the fourth, but Elmhurst added two more runs in the fifth to extend their advantage. Aurora made a push in the sixth with two runs, but Elmhurst's defense held strong, and the Bluejays closed out the game with a scoreless seventh inning to seal the win.

The offense came alive with 13 hits, highlighted by Tia Splitgerber's 2-for-3 performance, which included a double and an RBI. Brenna Morley also had a productive outing with two hits and a run scored. Kylie Hoyh pitched a complete game, scattering 10 hits while allowing four runs and striking out one. Elmhurst played error-free defense and made key plays to preserve the victory.

UP NEXT

The Bluejays host Benedictine University in their home opener this Thursday, March 27, beginning at 3:00 p.m.

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