HINU ties second game up in the fifth, but unable to come away with the victory

LAWRENCE, Kan. – The Haskell softball team could not silence the bats of Southwestern Christian University Friday afternoon, losing in back-to-back games to the Eagles by scores of 9-0 and 7-3. The two defeats bring the Indians' record to 0-25 overall and 0-8 in MCAC play, while the Eagles improved to 13-24 on the year with their two victories.

SWCU starter Courtney Gaines was the story in the first game, no-hitting HINU for 4 1/3 until first baseman Janelle Cronin singled in the bottom of the fifth for her team's only hit. Gaines added a three-run blast to her day's work as the Eagles closed out Haskell 9-0 in five innings.

HINU starter Kendall Calderon took the loss in the first game, going all five, while surrendering nine runs on 11 hits. Calderon struck out four Eagles batters and walked none. Gaines gave up just that one hit in her five innings, while striking out six and walking one.

The second game was a pitcher's duel early on as it was 0-0 through two. The Eagles would answer first, plating a run in the top of the third and then another in the fifth to make it 2-0. The players in the Purple and Gold would answer back with two of their own in the bottom half of the fifth to make it 2-2. The rally was sparked by an Ashleigh Brown walk and a Nicole Macias single, which set the stage for Samantha Robertson's RBI double off the center field fence. Robertson helped her own cause as she was also the Indian starting pitcher. An Eagle miscue in the field led to Haskell's second run and the score was tied heading into the top of the sixth.

Unfortunately the tie would not hold up for long as a five spot in the top of the sixth would do in the Indians as they mustered just one more run in the bottom half of the seventh, and Southwestern Christian wrapped up the 7-3 victory.

Robertson went the distance for Haskell, surrendering seven runs on nine hits in her seven innings of work. The junior righty struck out three, walked one, and hit two batters.

Haskell next plays MCAC rival Central Christian College in a double header on Saturday afternoon at Haskell Field. The first game is scheduled to get underway at 12 p.m., with the second to take place approximately a half hour after the completion of the first.