Box Score Marion, IL - The 25th-ranked McKendree University Softball team wrapped up its weekend in Marion at the Oasis DII Collegiate Classic with one more game against the Purdue Northwest Pride. The Bearcats (13-4) closed out with a 4-0 win over the Pride (6-4), leaning on a combined three-hit shutout in the circle and some timely hitting. McKendree scored in three separate innings, totaled eight hits with three doubles, and did not commit an error defensively. 

The scoring started in the first and came from immediate traffic on the bases. Sami Huck led off with a single and moved into scoring position on an infield error. After getting moved up to third on a groundout, Lauren Harris put the ball in play on the left side, bringing Huck home for the game's first run. 

The third inning created separation. Laynee Tapp opened with a single, and two batters later, Ali Grenzebach drove a double to right field to score her. A walk extended the inning, and Harris followed by lining a double to center that plated two more, stretching the lead to 3-0. Three hits in the inning, two for extra bases, accounted for the bulk of the offense.

An inning later, the Bearcats added one more. Paisley Twait doubled to right and was driven in when Tapp singled up the middle, making it 4-0. From there, McKendree continued to put runners aboard, drawing four walks, but the four-run cushion proved to be more than enough. 

In the circle, Ellie Vetter handled the first four innings and earned the win, allowing three hits while striking out five. She navigated a bases-loaded jam in the fifth before Sami Huck returned to pitch and took over for the final three frames. Huck did not surrender a hit and struck out three, closing the door on any late push. Purdue Northwest was limited to three singles and finished with eight strikeouts against the McKendree staff.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE BEARCATS
vs. Sioux Falls Cougars (2-8) & Dominican Chargers (0-4)
Saturday, March 7th - 12:15 PM & 2:30 PM
Bartow Sports Complex - Bartow, FL