The McKendree University softball team advances to the GLVC Championship with a 5-1 win over Rockhurst on Saturday in East Peoria. 
 
The Bearcats are set to square off against either the University of Indianapolis, Maryville, or Rockhurst at 12 p.m. tomorrow. 
 
UIndy and Maryville are set to play later today, and the winner takes on Rockhurst. The winner of Rockhurst vs UIndy/Maryville plays McKendree on Sunday in the GLVC Championship game.
 
If the Bearcats win the first game of the GLVC Championship, they will be crowned champions. If they lose, it will go to a second game where the winner is crowned the conference tournament champion.
 
How It Happened
 
After a scoreless first four innings, the Bearcats put up five runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. The rally started with a Jenny Homann two-run home run, followed by a two out Bailey Merritt RBI infield single, and a Caitlyn Lowry two-run single. 
 
The Hawks threatened to score in the sixth and seventh inning, but Miranda Gajewski would shut the door on the Hawks, allowing one run. 
 
Behind The Boxscore
 
The Bearcats tallied nine hits on the day. Homann and Lowry combined for four RBI's.
 
Starting on the mound for the Bearcats was Ellie Quaethem. She pitched in two innings, gave up zero earned runs off three hits and struck out four batters.
 
Gajewski pitched in the game's final five innings. She gave up one run off four hits and struck out seven batters. She picked up her 12^th win of the season.
 
Coaches Quote
 
"I thought we had a great approach at the plate from the start. Jenny came through with the clutch home run to get us on the board. Gajewksi and Quaethem had a great day on the mound shutting down a good offensive team," head coach Ashley Fleming said. "I am just really proud of this team. I'm proud of their heart, their fight and their competitiveness. Excited to see what they bring to the table tomorrow."