Aces finish opening weekend with 2-1 mark
LAFAYETTE, La. – Freshman Lindsay Renneisen hit a grand slam to spark an 11-0 win for the University of Evansville softball team over Eastern Illinois on Sunday in the final game of the Mardi Gras Classic.
Renneisen’s slam came in a 10-run third inning that saw UE (2-1) take down the Panthers in five innings.
“I really like the way we started the season,†Purple Aces head coach Mat Mundell said. “Our offense showed the ability to score some runs, which was an area of focus. Our pitchers did a great job. If we continue to improve in the circle should be a fun year.â€
Mackenzie Johnson got the Aces on the board in the bottom half of the second inning. With two outs, Johnson launched a home run to right-center to give Evansville a 1-0 lead.
The big inning for UE came in the bottom of the third as ten runs crossed the plate. Morgan Florey sent the first run of the frame home with a single to left. In the next at-bat, the Aces pulled off a double steal with Olivia Cheatham taking second while Eryn Gould swiped home to make it a 3-0 game.
Later, Bailee Bostic drew bases loaded walk before Johnson notched an RBI knock to center for the next two runs. Jaime Nurrenbern brought two runs home with a single to left before Lindsay Renneisen hit a grand slam to plate Allison Daggett, Nurrenbern and Johnson as the lead exploded to 11-0.
In the circle, Morgan Florey held her own, throwing all five innings while giving up just two Panther hits.
With the opening weekend of play in the books, the Aces set their sights on the Red & Black Showcase, which is being hosted by the University of Georgia next weekend. It will feature the Bulldogs, Winthrop, and Samford.
