Sangamon Sun

The Illinois College softball team showcased a strong offensive performance during their annual spring trip to Florida, scoring a total of 23 runs in two games on Thursday. The Lady Blues overcame a five-run deficit to defeat Heidelberg 12-5 in the first game and then secured an 11-3 victory over Adrian in the second game.

In the match against Heidelberg, the Lady Blues started their comeback with three runs in the fourth inning. Elysia Hand contributed with a two-run single, followed by Ezzy Mauermann's sacrifice fly for another run. The team took control in the fifth inning with nine additional runs. Alyssa Teixeira's two-run single gave IC the lead, and Shelby Seiler added a two-run double. Kayla Serpa and Brooke Loveall walked with bases loaded to bring in more runs before Taylor Henry hit a three-run double to finish the inning.

Serpa, Loveall, and Henry each had two hits, leading IC's 12-hit offense. Avery Fritz earned the win by pitching 3 1/3 shutout innings in relief of starter Jordan Closs, who struck out six batters in her outing.

Against Adrian, IC quickly scored five runs in the first inning. Kendall Cole hit a two-run single, Delaney Melton followed with a two-run double and later stole home. An error allowed Megan Doolittle to reach base and Cole to score another run in the second inning.

Adrian narrowed the gap to 5-3 before IC sealed their win with three runs in the fourth and two more in the fifth. Melton and Emma Hardiek each had RBI singles while Mauermann walked with bases loaded for another run. Halie Williams concluded scoring with a two-run double.

Melton and Henry both had two hits for IC. Henry also pitched all five innings against Adrian, allowing only three hits and recording one strikeout.

The Lady Blues will conclude their Florida schedule by playing Mount St. Joseph at 8:00 a.m. CST and Alvernia at 10:15 a.m. CST on Friday.