Sangamon Sun

The Illinois College (IC) softball team began their conference play with a split doubleheader against Ripon on Sunday at Jessica Kamp Field in Jacksonville, Illinois. IC dominated the first game with an 8-0 win in just five innings, while Ripon narrowly secured a 3-2 victory in the second game.

Following these matches, the Lady Blues stand at 10-12 overall and 1-1 in conference play. Meanwhile, Ripon has a record of 5-15, showing a 3-1 mark in their league contests.

In the opening match, IC scored all their eight runs over the last three innings, after both teams failed to score in the first inning. Highlights included Shelby Seiler driving in Delaney Melton for the first run and Elysia Hand hitting a two-run inside-the-park home run. Other notable contributions came from Brooke Loveall with an RBI triple, and Taylor Henry with two sacrifice flies. Seiler capped off the scoring with a two-run single. Pitcher Jordan Closs excelled, allowing just two hits and striking out seven in four innings, with Avery Fritz closing the game.

Ripon rebounded in the second game, taking an early 2-0 lead in the first inning. IC responded promptly, as Hand's double allowed Loveall to score, reducing the gap. IC equalized when Henry scored on a fielder's choice by Hand in the third inning. Despite the effort, Henry took the loss in the pitching circle, letting nine hits and three runs while fanning four batters over seven innings.

Looking ahead, the Lady Blues are poised to conclude their conference weekend with a game against Lawrence at Jessica Kamp Field on Monday. This doubleheader was postponed from Saturday due to inclement weather and is scheduled to commence at 1:00 p.m.