Game 1 Box Score  |  Game 2 Box Score

The Malone University softball team dropped both games of its doubleheader at local rival Walsh University on Tuesday afternoon by identical final scores of 10-2.  The Cavaliers put away the opener in five innings while game two lasted a total of six frames.

The Pioneers' overall record slipped to 8-22 following Tuesday's contests while Walsh improved to 31-15.

Malone will look to bounce back on Wednesday when the squad hosts a 3:30 p.m. doubleheader against Notre Dame College (12-16 overall).  Shortstop Kristen Atzenhoefer, first baseman Lauren Hershberger, centerfielder Megan Lane and third baseman Kelsee Locker will each be recognized on Wednesday as part of the Pioneers' Senior Day festivities.

Game One Recap
A two-out bases loaded walk by designated player Michelle Heacock tied the score of the opener at 1-1 in the top of the second inning.  However, Walsh then took command by plating six runs in the bottom of the frame. 

Pioneer leftfielder Sarah Samblanet made the score 7-2 in the top of the third with a two-out RBI single to leftfield, but Malone was unable to get any closer as the Cavs cemented the run-rule triumph by crossing the plate three more times in the bottom of the fifth.

Eight of Walsh's 10 runs were unearned in game one as the Cavaliers managed to capitalize on four costly Pioneer errors - two each in both the second and fifth innings.

Malone tallied eight hits in the contest as Atzenhoefer, Samblanet and second baseman Desi Givens all tallied two hits in three at-bats.

Starting pitcher Shelby Snyder was saddled with the loss (5-8) after tossing the first 1.1 innings.

Second baseman Dana Brown led the way for Walsh in the opener, going 3-for-4 at the plate from the leadoff spot with three RBI's.

Game Two Recap
Solo homers by Givens in the top of the first and Cavalier third baseman Kendra Gerber in the bottom of the second accounted for all of the scoring during the first three innings of Tuesday's finale. 

Walsh tacked on two unearned runs in the fourth to grab a 3-1 advantage and then pulled away with a five-run fifth.  The Pioneers managed to bring home one run in the top of the sixth as Lane led off the frame with a double, moved to third on a passed ball and then scored on a single by Givens.

Malone was unable to pull any closer, though, before the Cavaliers secured the victory with two runs in the bottom of the inning.

Walsh starter Erin Ebert registered her 14th win of the year (14-7) after limiting the Pioneers to the two runs on three hits.  Ebert struck out eight and did not walk a batter. 

Malone starting pitcher Stephanie Byrne suffered the loss (2-5) after working the first 4.1 innings.