The McKendree University softball team defeated Drury 9-1 in a six-inning mercy rule on Friday in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament in East Peoria, Ill.
 
The Bearcats record improves to 25-11. They take on Rockhurst tomorrow at 10 a.m. The winner of that game will advance to the GLVC Championship game on Sunday. 
 
How It Happened
 
After the Panthers got out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning, the Bearcats would not look back with strong hitting from the plate.
 
Shelby Summer got the Bearcats on the board in the first inning with a 2-run infield single to the shortstop.
 
In the third inning, Jenny Homann extended the lead with a solo home run followed by a two run home run from Summer, and a solo home run from Paige Hayden in the fifth inning.
 
In the sixth inning, Miranda Gajewski would hit a two-run triple, followed by a Homann RBI single to end the game.
 
Behind The Boxscore
 
The Bearcats would tally 10 hits on the day. Homann and Summer each contributed two hits each and combined for six RBI's.
 
On the mound was Ellie Quaethem. She pitched in 5 1/3 innings, gave up one run off five hits and struck out five batters. She earned her 12^th win of the season.
 
Gajewski pitched in the final 2/3 innings and struck out one batter.

Coaches Quote

"We have played two good games so far in the tournament. Yesterday was a close one with Gajewski and Quaethem pitching well. Today our bats came alive and we played a solid game. Now we are looking to keep it rolling going into tomorrow," head coach Ashley Fleming said.