PLYMOUTH, Wis. - The Rockford University softball team hit the road for the final time this season on Friday when the Regents traveled north to face off with the Lakeland University Muskies. Following a tough 12-0 loss in the opener, the Regents played much better in the nightcap. The ladies hung around for the entire game and were able to bring the tying run to plate on multiple occasions over the final two innings. Unfortunately Rockford was unable to close the gap, and ultimately fell by a final score of 4-2.
The Regents scored both of its runs in game two in the sixth inning. Senior Stefaney Kenworthy (Veedersburg, Ind.) started the rally with a one-out single into left field. After a fielder's choice put runners on first and second, Brooke Burris (Galatia, Ill.) crushed an RBI double into left, scoring Kenworthy as the Regents pulled back to within three at 4-1. Two batters later, Taylor Pilarczyk (Chicago, Ill.) tallied Rockford's third hit in the inning with an RBI single into right center to make it a 4-2 game. Unfortunately the Regents were also throw out at the plate on the play to end the inning and the threat.
Following a scoreless bottom half of the sixth, the Regents recorded a pair of hits in the seventh to put pressure on the Muskies. Abigail Wellwood (Rockford, Ill.) and Shannon LeGath (Sturtevant, Ill.) each singled in the inning; however Rockford was unable to come up with the key hit, as Lakeland held on for the win and the series sweep.
Sophomore Brooke Burris pitched well in the loss. Burris fired her ninth complete game in just eleven starts this season. She allowed only two earned runs over her six innings of work.
Offensively the Regents were led by the trio of Burris, Kenworthy and Pilarczyk. Burris went 1-for-3 in the game with a double and an RBI. Kenworthy was 1-for-2 with a run scored, and Pilarczyk finished the game 1-for-2 with an RBI.
The Rockford University softball team concludes its season on Saturday, April 29 at home against Alverno College. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for noon at the Smith Athletic Field.
