The Upper Iowa softball team wrapped up their time at the PFX Spring Games on Thursday with a tough one-run loss to Ferris State University after defeating Malone University in a come-from-behind victory. The Peacocks finished their spring break trip with a 5-5 record to now sit 6-11 overall.
On the final day in Florida, Upper Iowa was led by junior
Katie Crogan who tallied three hits and four RBI between the games. She had two hits of extra-base variety including a three-run homer in the opener that gave UIU a late-game lead and an RBI-double in game two. Along with Crogan, five other Peacocks registered multiple hits on the day.
Upper Iowa 5, Malone 4
The Pioneers struck first with two runs on three hits in the first inning for an early lead. Malone added two more scores thanks to two-run home run to left field off the bat of Megan Labut. Upper Iowa started chipping away at the lead in third when
Kennedy Newell came around to score on
Kaitlyn Carlson's base hit.
After retiring all three batters for the second inning in a row, the Peacocks pulled within two in the home half of the fourth. With two outs remaining,
Amanda Williams doubled to the gap in right center to give UIU a runner in scoring position. A groundout moved the junior to third before Newell knocked her home with a single up the middle.
Upper Iowa took the lead for good in the fifth when
Katie Crogan fired a bomb to deep center to score herself,
Ali Green and
Jordyn Brennan. Malone was able to get three runners on between the final two innings but left them there as the Peacocks held on for the win.
Emily Kisch picked up the complete game win, allowing just four runs on 10 hits and a walk. The senior struck out five batters in the effort.
Ferris State 3, Upper Iowa 2
Crogan's big bat was advantageous again in game two as a double to right center gave UIU an early 1-0 lead in the opening frame. The extra-base hit drove in
Kaylee Frenette who reached on a single and made her way around the bases thanks to a sacrifice bunt and groundout.
Ferris State tied things up in the home half of the first with a solo shot before taking a two-run lead in the second inning with a pair of scores. The two teams then battled through four scoreless innings as the Bulldogs went into the seventh ahead 3-1.
With one out remaining and in desperate need of some offense,
Kaitlyn Carlson kept Upper Iowa alive with a single to left field and Frenette followed with a base hit to put the tying runs on base. Brennan then stepped up to the plate and managed to bring Carlson home with a RBI-double. The Peacocks comeback hopes fell just short, though, as the Bulldogs made a pitching change to induce the final out and preserve the win.
Abby McKay took the loss after tossing 6.0 innings and allowed three runs on seven hits and a pair of walks.
