Bartow, FL - The McKendree University Softball team was recently bumped up to being ranked 21st in the nation in the latest poll from the NFCA, and the Bearcats (18-5) had an immediate opportunity to showcase that rise with two more matchups in Florida by taking on the California (PA) Vulcans and Ashland Eagles. The Bearcats limited the Vulcans to one hit in a 3-0 victory before producing 17 hits and a nine-run seventh inning to defeat Ashland 13-3. Across the two games, McKendree pitchers held opponents to eight combined hits while their own lineup generated 24 hits and 16 runs.
GAME ONE | #21 McKENDREE 3, CALIFORNIA (PA) 0
The opening game was trending towards being a low-scoring game from the get-go, with McKendree gradually building a lead while the pitching staff limited California (PA) to minimal contact. The Bearcats finished with seven hits and pushed across runs in the second and third innings to secure the win.
The first run came in the bottom of the second.
Ali Grenzebach reached with a single and moved into scoring position before
Ellie Vetter followed with a base hit to right field.
Laynee Tapp then put the ball in play and reached on an infield error that allowed Grenzebach to score and put McKendree ahead 1-0.
An inning later, the Bearcats added two more runs through consecutive hits.
Jasmine Myers opened the third with a single, and
Paisley Twait followed with a double to left field that brought Myers home. Moments later, Grenzebach drove a single to right, scoring Twait and extending the lead to three.
That was more than enough support for the McKendree pitching staff.
Ellie Vetter handled the first 4.2 innings and struck out 10 batters while allowing only one hit.
Olivia Tipton entered in the fifth and closed the final 2.1 innings without allowing a hit while recording two more strikeouts.
California (PA) placed six runners on base, but the Vulcans never advanced a runner past second base.
GAME TWO | #21 McKENDREE 13, ASHLAND 3
The second game began more tightly before McKendree's offense expanded the margin late. Ashland briefly took a 3-2 lead in the third inning, but the Bearcats responded with runs in the fifth and then erupted for nine in the seventh to break the game open.
McKendree scored first in the second inning when
Laynee Tapp singled to center field, bringing home
Lily Consolino for a 1-0 lead.
Lauren Harris then added a solo home run in the third to extend the margin to two runs.
Ashland answered in the bottom of the third, using three hits and a walk to produce three runs and move ahead 3-2. McKendree regained control in the fifth.
Sami Huck singled to begin the inning, Harris was hit by a pitch, and
Jasmine Myers followed with an RBI single that tied the score.
Paisley Twait then delivered another run-scoring single that put the Bearcats back in front 4-3.
The decisive inning came in the seventh when McKendree sent 13 batters to the plate. Myers started the rally with a double, and
Ali Grenzebach later singled to put two runners on before
Ryleigh Albers drove a two-run double to center.
Laynee Tapp followed with a two-run double of her own,
Sami Huck added an RBI double, and Harris lined a triple that drove in another run. Additional singles from Twait and Grenzebach pushed the inning total to nine runs and stretched the lead to 13-3.
Huck handled the full seven innings in the in the circle and earned the win, allowed three runs on seven hits while striking out five.
McKendree finished with 17 hits in the game, including three from Huck and Tapp. Harris added two hits, including the home run and a triple, while Twait and Grenzebach each drove in multiple runs during the late offensive surge.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE BEARCATS
2026 Spring Games
vs. Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs (14-10)
Wednesday, March 11th - 9:00 AM CST
Bartow Sports Complex - Bartow, FL
