CHICAGO, Ill. - In a hard-fought CCIW doubleheader, Elmhurst University earned a split against North Park, using clutch hitting and a strong performance in the circle in game one before falling short in a low-scoring second contest. Both games featured early offense, but it was Elmhurst's ability to string together quality at-bats and capitalize on scoring opportunities in the opener that set the tone for the day.

In game one, the Bluejays overcame an early deficit and relied on balanced offensive production and a complete-game outing from Kylie Hoyh to secure a 4-1 win. North Park struck first in the top of the first when Kayla Lorenz came around to score on Kathryn Keehn's RBI triple down the left field line. Elmhurst responded quickly in the bottom of the second as Bella Swift crossed the plate on a clutch RBI single from Clara Rice to tie the game.

The third inning proved pivotal for the Bluejays. Danielle Hood drove in the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Brenna Morley. Moments later, Ali Mockenhaupt singled sharply to center, bringing in Bailey Proffitt and extending the lead to 3-1. Elmhurst added insurance in the sixth when Kaylee Aimone drew a bases-loaded walk, scoring Hood for the final run of the game.

Mockenhaupt led the way at the plate with a 2-for-4 performance, including an RBI and a heads-up base-running play that helped spark momentum. Clara Rice also recorded two hits and an RBI, while Hood contributed a hit, a run, and a sacrifice fly. On the mound, Hoyh was steady and efficient, scattering six hits over seven innings, striking out one and walking two to earn her second win of the season.

Game two flipped the script as North Park jumped out early and held on late for a 3-1 win. Lorenz once again sparked the Viking offense, this time with a two-run triple to right-center in the top of the first. A throwing error on the following play allowed Lorenz to score, giving North Park an early 3-0 cushion.

Elmhurst managed to get one run back in the bottom half of the inning when Mockenhaupt came through again with a run-scoring single, bringing in Hood, who had reached on a base hit. However, that would be all the Bluejays could muster against Raquel Hare, who went the distance for North Park, allowing just six hits and no earned runs while striking out two.

Despite the loss, Elmhurst had several bright spots. Mockenhaupt remained hot at the plate, adding two more hits and another RBI to her day. Danielle Hood collected a hit and a run, and Grace Hayes and Josie Waite each chipped in a base knock. Chiara O'Leary tossed a complete game of her own, giving up seven hits and three runs while striking out two, but the early three-run first proved too much to overcome.

UP NEXT

The Bluejays host No. 16 UW-Whitewater for a doubleheader at 2:00 p.m. this Thursday, April 10.

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