Lakers Softball Ends Regular Season with Doubleheader Split Against Indiana Tech

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Roosevelt Lakers softball team rounded out the regular season on Saturday, April 30 at the Dome at the Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Illinois. Roosevelt split the two games, dropping game one before exploding offensively to win game two. The doubleheader split brings the team's final regular season record to 21-18 on the year.

The first game got off to a quick start as both teams adjusted to playing in the dome. Indiana Tech struck first with a quick run in the top of the first. The Warriors threatened to add to the total, but an athletic defensive play by catcher Kirstin Fudge on a squeeze bunt prevented any additional runs from the Warriors. The Lakers came right back in the bottom of the second, started by a leadoff double from Kassie Kawka. After Kawka advance to third on an errant throw and Anaisa Lozada walked, Brynn Dvoracek blasted a double to deep left center, scoring both Lakers baserunners.

After the Warriors tacked on four runs in the second to go ahead 5-2, the Lakers bounced back in the third. Once again it was Kawka leading the way, this time with a single, followed by another Lozada walk. When Fudge walked two batters later, Kawka would score from second on a catcher's throwing error into right field to cut the deficit to 5-3. Indiana Tech responded right back with a run of their own to once again secure a three-run advantage at 6-3.

Lozada kicked off the bottom of the fourth with a bunt single, advancing to second on a throwing error. Dvoracek connected on another double, this time to deep left, scoring Lozada. Pinch hitter Jessica Schneider moved pinch runner Emma Wokurka to third with a single and both runners were driven in by a Sabrina Treccani double to right center, tying the game at 6 apiece. Kate Sisson started the game for the Lakers, battling through five innings while striking out five to exit with the game tied.

With Dayton Elliott now in the circle, the Warriors responded yet again with one run in the sixth to go on top 7-6. However, with two outs in the bottom of the inning, Lozada ripped the ball to left center, stretching it to a triple. Unfortunately, the Lakers were not able to capitalize and headed to the final inning down a run. The Lakers would not be able to put together enough offense in the seventh, dropping game one 7-6.

Game two started swiftly again for the Warriors, plating three runs to start the game. The Lakers then responded as Brynn Dvoracek roped a double down the left field line to get the Lakers on the board 3-1. Indiana Tech put together another strong inning in the top of the third, increasing the margin to 6-1. The Lakers struck back again in the bottom half of the inning as Dvoracek doubled again with two runners aboard, this time to the left center gap. The ball hopped over the fence and Athena Pomele-Pen scored from second and Lozada advanced to third. Ashlyn Kitter followed that up with a tough full count at-bat, sneaking a ball past the right fielder for a two-RBI triple, closing the gap to 6-4.

The Lakers continued their offensive surge in the fourth, staring with a Zuniga leadoff single and a Jessica Schneider walk. Kawka kept up her hot hitting, lacing an RBI single down left field line. A ground-rule double from Pomele-Pen and a Lozada triple gave the Lakers the lead 8-6. Despite playing in the dome, the game would have a short weather due to tornado sirens in the area, but when play resumed, Lozada would score on a check swing from Dvoracek to give RU a 9-6 lead heading into the fifth.

In the fifth, Treccani singled then moved to second on a fielder's choice. Schneider drove in another Lakers run with a double to right center. With the score now 10-6, Pomele-Pen added to the outburst with a single up the middle, increasing the advantage to 11-6 heading into the sixth. The Warriors were able to get one run back in the sixth, but it was not enough as the Lakers would be victorious, 11-7. 

Samantha Norman had a strong outing in relief to get the win for the Lakers, pitching the final 6 2/3 innings, striking out five while allowing only four runs.

GAME ONE DETAILS

W: Hannah Middlebrooks (10-8)                  L: Dayton Elliott (6-4)

Records: Roosevelt 20-18  |  Indiana Tech 23-21

Location: The Dome at the Parkway Bank Sports Complex | Rosemont, Ill.

KEY STATS

• Kassie Kawka went 2-for-3 with a triple & two runs scored
• Anaisa Lozada was 2-for-2 with a triple & two runs scored
• Sabrina Treccani went 1-for-4 with two RBIs
• Brynn Dvoracek was 1-for-3 with a double & two RBIs
• Ashlyn Kitter went 1-for-2 with one run scored
• Kate Sisson started, striking out five batters over five innings
• Dayton Elliott pitched the final two innings, giving up one run and striking out two

GAME TWO DETAILS

W: Samantha Norman (3-4)                  L: Shaelin Bruner (2-3)

Records: Roosevelt 21-18  |  Indiana Tech 23-22

Location: The Dome at the Parkway Bank Sports Complex | Rosemont, Ill.

KEY STATS

• Kassie Kawka went 1-for-3 with one RBI & a run scored
• Athena Pomele-Pen was 2-for-4 with a double, three RBIs, & two runs scored
• Anaisa Lozada went 1-for-3 with a triple, one RBI, and three runs scored
• Brynn Dvoracek went 3-for-4 with two doubles, two RBIs, & one run scored
• Ashlyn Kitter was 2-for-3 with a triple & two RBIs
• Sabrina Treccani went 1-for-4 with one run scored
• Emily Zuniga was 2-for-3 with a run scored
• Jessica Schneider went 1-for-2 with one RBI and two runs scored
• Samantha Norman stuck out five in 6 2/3 innings

NEWS & NOTES

• Click here to view the current CCAC Conference standings

NEXT UP

With a fifth-place finish in the CCAC Softball standings, the Lakers have qualified for the CCAC Championship Tournament and will play the fourth-seeded Cardinal Stritch Wolves. The eight-team tournament is scheduled to take place on May 5-7 at the Crown Point Sportsplex in Crown Point, Indiana.