ATHENS, TENN – After starting their spring break road trip with a split at Johnson University (Tenn.) followed by two days off, CIU softball took on the NAIA-ranked No. 9 Bulldogs of Tennessee Wesleyan.  CIU dropped game one 8-0 in five innings, and the second game went similarly as the Rams lost 6-0.  

Game one: What looked to be a pitcher's duel unraveled quickly in the bottom of the third, when the Bulldogs scored four runs to take a 4-0 lead and proceeded to add four more in the fourth inning, capitalizing on two errors by the Rams. CIU could not get the offense going consistently and finished with just two hits.  

Box Notes:  

• Megan Stolzenbach and Hallie Miller each picked up doubles.
• The Rams did have scoring opportunities. as the five runners were left on base. 

Game Two: TWU scored in the first inning on an error and then put three more runs on the board in the bottom of the third. Two more runs in the fifth sealed the deal, preventing any chance of a Ram comeback. Mirroring game one, CIU finished with two hits.  

• Mary Esterak (single) and Dallas Mayers (double) lead the hitting for CIU. 
• Megan Stolzenbach drew two walks.  
• Esterak started for the Rams in the circle notching a strikeout.  
• CIU has only won one of six games this season when they commit three or more errors in a game. The Rams had three fielding errors in game two.

Up Next: The Rams will finish their spring break road trip against Bryan College on Mar 8. First pitches are set for 2 PM and 4 PM.