Lakers Take Historic Split From Tigers On Road

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – Roosevelt earned a historic split with Olivet Nazarene on Tuesday, defeating the Tigers for the first time in eight years in the first game of a Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader in Bourbonnias.  

The Lakers' 7-2 win over the Tigers was only the program's second win over Olivet Nazarene, and the first since a 6-5 victory on April 2, 2016. Roosevelt was nearly able to sweep the doubleheader as well, but a late Tigers rally allowed the hosts to sneak away with a 5-4 win.

In the opener, the Lakers (9-15, 4-2 CCAC) fell behind in the first inning and the offense took a rotation around the lineup to find its stride. Brynn Dvoracek eventually doubled in the fourth inning and pinch runner Emma Wokurka scored on an Emily Zuniga single to tie the game at one. In the fifth inning, the Lakers' speed set the table for the big hitters to feast in run-scoring opportunities.

Caitlin Williams outran the bunt defense for an infield single then Ella Dvoracek slapped a single into left field. Scout Kram also reached on an infield bunt single then Athena Pomele-Pen gave Roosevelt the lead by staying patient and drawing a walk. Two batters later, Bailee Reynolds lined a double into left field to plate two more runs and give the Lakers a solid cushion. Reynolds finished the game 3 for 4 with those two RBIs.

Roosevelt would grow the lead in the seventh with three consecutive singles to lead off the inning. Samantha Norman and Madison Sullivan both walked with the bases loaded to bring in a run then Ella Dvoracek singled to the pitcher to make it 7-2 in Roosevelt's favor. Norman also earned the win in the circle for the Lakers, striking out seven and allowing just six hits in a complete-game effort.

The Tigers pounced for an early lead in the second game as well, this time scoring three runs in the bottom of the first off Kate Sisson. But the senior settled into her groove and retired the next 13 batters she faced after that third run crossed home plate. That gave Roosevelt enough time to take the lead right back with a monster third inning.

Isabella Walton led off the inning with a walk then Williams reached on yet another bunt single before everyone was safe on Ella Dvoracek's fielder's choice due to an error. Pomele-Pen registered the first big hit of the inning with a two-run single and two batters later, Brynn Dvoracek delivered another two-run single. Olivet Nazarene regained the lead in the fifth inning, and the Lakers couldn't muster another response.

Roosevelt will return to the field Saturday for another CCAC doubleheader as the Lakers head to Elgin to face Judson with first pitch scheduled for noon.