The McKendree University softball team lost both games of its doubleheader at the Washburn Invitational to open the 2021 season Saturday afternoon. .The Bearcats lost their first game of the day to Pittsburg State 10-2, followed by a loss to Washburn 13-0.
 
Game One
 
The Bearcats would jump out to a 2-0 lead after a Paige Hayden (Independence, MO/Fort Osage) RBI double in the first inning, and a Caitlyn Lowry (St. Louis, MO/Notre Dame) sacrifice fly in the second inning. The Gorillas would proceed to score the game's next 10 runs. Five of those 10 runs would come in the 4^thinning. 
 
McKendree would finish the game with four hits and one error to Pittsburg State's 10 hits.

Hayden led the way for the Bearcats on offense, going 1-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Miranda Gaejewski would start the game, pitching in 3 1/3 innings giving up six earned runs on six hits, struck out two batters and would be credited with the loss.
 
Game Two
 
Washburn would get out to a fast start in the Bearcats second game of the day, scoring three runs in the first inning. The Ichabods offense would not let up scoring 10 runs between the 2^nd and 4^th inning.
 
McKendree would finish the game with one hit from Jenny Homann (Freeburg, IL/Freeburg), while Washburn racked up 13 hits. Ellie Quaethem (Washington, MO/Washington) would start the game on the mound. She pitched two innings, gave up five earned runs off five hits, walked two batters and was credited with the loss.
 
Next
 
McKendree will be back in action tomorrow with another doubleheader. They will start the day against Minnesota-Crookston at 10 a.m. followed by a matchup against Emporia State at 12 p.m.
 
Coaches Quote
 
"We didn't have the performance I would like to see today, but it's a good opportunity to evaluate what we need to work on moving into conference play in two weeks," head coach Ashley Fleming said.