Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 (FLORENCE, Ala., Feb. 25)- The McKendree University softball team earned a split on the final day of competition at the University of North Alabama Invitational on Sunday. The Bearcats defeated Southwest Baptist University, 12-8, before dropping a 10-1 decision to the host University of North Alabama.

The Bearcats are now 1-3 overall and will host University of Illinois-Springfield for a non-conference doubleheader on Wednesday, March 6 for their home opener at 2 p.m.

In game one, McKendree scored single runs in the first two innings, but trailed 8-2 headed into the fourth inning when the offense found its groove. The Bearcats scored 10 runs over the final four innings to earn the comeback win over Southwest Baptist.

The Bearcats scored four runs on six hits in the fourth inning to cut the deficit to 8-6. A single by sophomore first baseman Kelsie Stoszkus (O'Fallon, Ill./O'Fallon Township) scored junior outfielder Kay Koonce (Greenville, Ill./Greenville) from second for the first run of the inning, and junior outfielder Caitlin Stredde (Pingree Grove, Ill./South Elgin) doubled to score Stoszkus for the second run of the inning. Junior second baseman Ashley Scheffler (Elgin, Ill./Burlington Central) and sophomore outfielder Erica Johnson (New Baden, Ill./Wesclin) hit back-to-back RBI singles to bring in the final two runs of the inning and bring McKendree within striking distance.

Freshman catcher Marla Schulte (O'Fallon, Ill./O'Fallon Township) hit a bases-loaded double that scored two and tied the game, 8-8, in the fifth inning, and Scheffler cleared with a two-out grand slam to put the Bearcats in front 12-8, where it stayed.

Sophomore pitcher Susan Goetze (Green Valley, Ill./Midwest Central) improved to 1-1 overall with the win in relief, giving up eight hits, but striking out five with no walks.

McKendree sprayed seven hits in game two, but only scored one run late to fall to North Alabama 10-1 in five innings.

The Lions displayed their power with four home runs, including two three-run homers, in the game, while the Bearcats hit three doubles.

McKendree's lone run came in the top of the fifth on an RBI single by Scheffler that scored freshman relief pitcher Taylor Barnouski (O'Fallon, Ill./O'Fallon Township) from third.

Stoszkus took the loss and dropped to 0-2 on the season with one strikeout in three innings pitched.

Marla Schulte (O'Fallon, Ill./O'Fallon Township) led the Bearcats at the plate with four hits, including three doubles, two RBI and two runs scored.