FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Rockford University softball team defeated Clark University 6-2 on Tuesday afternoon to move to 5-1 this season. The RU offensive attack was consistent throughout the game, scoring in four of the six innings. The pitching staff turned in yet another solid performance, allowing only one earned run for the fourth time this year. This was Rockford's second straight win over Clark in the last three days.
- Rockford scored a pair of runs in the second and one more in the third to take a 3-0 lead.
- Judah Ortiz and Rylee Klema got things started in the second with singles into left field. Kieran Madigan followed with a clutch two-out, two-run double to break the scoreless tie.
- The Regents were able to add an additional run in the third off a Michaela Froehlich RBI single into right center.
- The scored remained unchanged until Clark finally got on the board with a single run in the fifth. The Cougars strung together three straight one-out singles to make it a 3-1 ballgame.
- Rockford was however able to get that run right back in the bottom of the fifth. Jocelyn Callahan walked and then stole second to put herself in scoring position with no one out. One batter later, Callahan scored on a Cougar error to give the Regents a 4-1 lead.
- The Regents essentially put the game out of reach with two more runs in bottom of the sixth. Rylee Klema knocked in the first via an RBI double, and Jocelyn Callahan extended the RU lead to 6-1 with a sacrifice fly to right.
- The Cougars were able to scratch across an unearned run in the top of the seventh, but it was not enough, as Rockford rolled to a 6-2 victory.
- The RU pitching staff continued to assert its dominance inside the circle. The duo of Bella Lima and Rylee Klema allowed just one earned run over their seven innings of work. This marks the fourth time in six games that the Regents have allowed one or less earned runs.
- Bella Lima earned her first win of the season. Lima went 5 strong innings, allowing 1 run, while striking out 2 batters.
- Rylee Klema garnered her first save of the year and extend her RU career record to 6 saves. Klema tossed the final two innings, allowing an unearned run and striking out 2.
- Rylee Klema also went 2-for-3 at the plate with a double, 2 runs and an RBI.
- Judah Ortiz was 2-for-3 with a run scored.
- Kieran Madigan finished 1-for-2 with a double and 2 RBIs.
