Softball Drops Series Finale to Murray State
The Valpo softball team concluded its Easter weekend series at Murray State Sunday afternoon on a warm, sunny day, falling to the host Racers by a 6-0 final.
How It Happened
– Fifth-year Taylor Herschbach (Lockport, Ill./Lockport Township) drew a one-out walk in the top of the first for Valpo’s first baserunner of the day, but was stranded on first.
– The Racers scored one run in the first and added three more in the second — two of which were unearned — to take a 4-0 lead.
– Junior Alexis Johnson (Schererville, Ind./Lake Central) was hit by a pitch with two outs in the third before being erased on a fielder’s choice.
– The Racers capped the scoring with a pair of runs in the fourth.
– Freshman Lyna Vasquez (Moreno Valley, Calif./Valley View) worked a two-out walk in the fifth, but wasn’t able to advance into scoring position.
– The Beacons had a pair of baserunners in the sixth, as Johnson led off with a sharp single and senior Lauren Kehlenbrink (Ballwin, Mo./Parkway South) drew a walk later in the inning.
Inside the Game
– Batting in the leadoff spot on Sunday, Johnson reached base twice with her single and hit by pitch.
– Herschbach’s walk was her team-best 14th free pass of the season.
– Making her first start of the weekend at catcher, Vasquez caught a pair of runners stealing — including one on a back pick in the first inning. The freshman has seven caught stealings to her credit this season.
– Junior Caitlin Kowalski (Temperance, Mich./Notre Dame Academy) started and took the loss, going four innings. Senior Easton Seib (Blue Springs, Mo./Blue Springs South) entered in relief and tossed a pair of shutout innings.
Next Up
Valpo (4-28, 1-12 MVC) steps away from Valley play for the final time this season on Tuesday afternoon when the Beacons travel to DeKalb, Ill. for a twinbill against Northern Illinois. First pitch of game one is scheduled for 2 p.m.