MILLIGAN, Tenn. - CIU softball took on Milligan University (Tenn.) in a rare Monday doubleheader and received a loss in both games. Despite leading for some of game one, CIU (15-25-1, 6-13 AAC) fell 9-3, and then was tripped up by Milligan (23-10, 18-8 AAC) in game two 2-0.
GAME ONE: MU 9 CIU 3: The Rams jumped on the Buffaloes seizing a lead in the second inning on a Lauren Baker RBI triple and a Mary Esterak RBI single. Leading 2-0, the Rams would battle a high-powered Milligan offense that rattled off eight unanswered runs to take an 8-2 advantage in the fourth inning. CIU added one more on a Dallas Mayers double, but it was too-little-too-late as CIU was downed by a final score of 9-3.
BOX SCORE NOTES:
- Mayers was the most productive Ram at the plate, going 2-for-3 with an RBI double.
- Lauren Baker picked up a triple which gives CIU 12 triples on the season which leads the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC).
- Both Mary Esterak and Kendall Parker saw action in the circle, with Parker giving up just two earned runs in three innings.
GAME TWO: MU 2 CIU 0: The only runs of the game came in the first inning as Milligan went up 2-0. It was a pitching duel from the second inning on; however, CIU's offense did not go completely quiet. The Rams had a scoring opportunity in the fourth as back-to-back singles came from Haylee Wilkerson and Josie Self. However, a fly-out ended the inning as CIU was unable to capitalize.
BOX SCORE NOTES:
- Haylee Wilkerson produced offensively, going 2-for-3 for CIU.
- Julia Thielen was excellent in the circle, allowing no earned runs and picking up three K's in six innings.
Up Next: CIU is back in Columbia but will stay on the road as they face Columbia College (S.C.) in a single game tomorrow, April 12., at 6:00 p.m.