COLLEGEVILLE, Pa. – Eastern University Softball dropped a pair of six-inning games at Ursinus College in a tune-up for a pair of big MAC Freedom doubleheaders on the horizon. Ursinus won the opener 9-1 and the nightcap by a 10-2 score. 

How It Happened:
In the opener, the Eagles scored first with an unearned run in the first inning. Sam Albertson reached on an error and Jess Snader walked. Albertson reached third on fielders choice and scored on a Taylor Crown single, but despite a single from Sabrina Thomas, the Eagles were unable to tack on more and left three on base in the inning. 

That first inning proved to be a harbinger of trouble to come. The Eagles put multiple runners on in each of the first four innings, but were unable to score again as the host Bears picked up runs in the first, third, fourth, and sixth innings. 

Emily Loomis made a sharp play at third to turn a 5-3 double-play to end an Ursinus rally in the fifth.

In the second game, Mikayla Frantz worked around a double in a scoreless first, but the Bears posted tallies in each of the next five innings. 

Rebecca Howard led off the top of the fourth with a double. She eventually scored on a single from Thomas. The Eagles manufactured a run in the fifth. After Lexi Evelyn reached on  an infield single and advanced to second on a fielder's choice, she stole third and came home when Howard reached on an error.

Coach Birchmeier Says:
"We created a lot of chances for ourselves in game one, but we were unable to get the big hit to complete a rally. Sami Britton pitched well. She was around the strike zone all day and did not allow a lot of hard contact."

"I was pleased with Lexi's delayed steal and though Maddy had some really good at bats. We need to finish innings on offense and defense."

Up Next:
The Eagles have a pair of tough league tests awaiting. They will play at Manhattanville on Wednesday and at Misericordia on Saturday.