Sangamon Sun

The Illinois College softball team opened their home season at Jessica Kamp Field with a sweep over Westminster, winning 7-4 and 6-5 on Saturday. This brings the Lady Blues' overall record to 7-5.

In the first game, Illinois College took an early lead with a three-run first inning, highlighted by Taylor Henry's two-run double. Delany Melton added to the score with a sacrifice fly that brought Henry home. Kendall Cole scored in the third inning off Cambria Currie's sacrifice, and two more runs were added in the sixth with Cole's RBI double and Melton's RBI single. The team had a total of 11 hits, with Kayla Serpa, Brooke Loveall, Elysia Hand, and Cole each contributing two hits. Jordan Closs pitched for 6 2/3 innings, allowing four runs (one earned) on seven hits and striking out six batters. Ashley Groves secured her first save by recording the final out.

In the second game, Westminster initially led 2-0 until Illinois College responded with five runs in the third inning. Halie Williams and Alyssa Teixeira both walked with bases loaded before Lilly Siller hit a two-run single and Hand contributed an RBI single. Despite Westminster tying the game at five runs each, Illinois College clinched victory when Hand scored on an error in the fifth inning. Hand also stood out offensively with two hits and scoring twice along with her RBI.

Avery Fritz took over pitching duties from Henry in relief during Game 2 to earn her fourth win of the season by allowing one run on four hits while striking out two over 3 2/3 innings.

The Lady Blues are set to face Greenville next at Jessica Kamp Field on Tuesday for a doubleheader starting at 3:00 p.m.