University of Southern Indiana Softball earned a 5-2 win over LIU Post to salvage a split to its fourth day of competition at the PFX Spring Games.
USI (11-6), which slipped to No. 14 in the latest NFCA Top 25 Coaches’ Poll, began the day with a 5-1 setback to defending national champion and previously No. 1 ranked Minnesota State University Mankato, which slipped to No. 9 in the latest NFCA Top 25 Wednesday.
The Screaming Eagles conclude the PFX Spring Games Thursday when they take on Midwest Region foes University of Findlay and Grand Valley State University at 8 a.m. (CST) and 10:30 a.m., respectively.
#9 Minnesota State Mankato 5, #14 USI 1 (Box Score)
The Mavericks (14-2) got a run in the second inning and four in the fourth to build a commanding 5-0 lead.
USI got an RBI-single from senior third baseman Mena Fulton (Bloomington, Indiana) in the top of the sixth inning, but missed opportunities plagued the Eagles throughout the contest.
The Eagles, who had an error lead to all four of Minnesota State Mankato’s runs in the fourth, left the bases loaded in both the first and sixth frames and stranded a total of 12 runners on base throughout the contest.
Sophomore pitcher Jennifer Leonhardt (Louisville, Kentucky) was charged with the loss after giving up five runs, one earned, off five hits in 3 2/3 innings of work. Leonhardt (4-4) struck out three batters, but four walks, including two with the bases loaded, doomed the reigning GLVC Freshman of the Year.
