Owls Softball returned to play yesterday, facing Xavier University of Louisiana in double-header action. Playing on the road once again, the Owls struggled to get their bats going in Game 1, only scoring runs in 2 out of the 7 innings, but kept Xavier close in Game 2, only losing by 1 run. 

Game 1 (L, 6-4) 

Mackenzie Denton started Game 1 in the circle, facing 25 batters in 4 innings of work. Denton allowed 6 runs on 5 hits, with 3 strikeouts and 6 walks. Coming in to relieve Denton, Kaitlyn Parrish closed out the last 2 innings for MUW, facing 10 batters. Parrish kept Xavier scoreless, only allowing 3 hits with 3 strikeouts and 0 walks. 

Although Parrish kept Xavier from scoring, it seemed like Xavier returned the favor to the Owls offense, only allowing runs in the top of the 1st and 5th innings Lauren Duckworth went 3 for 4 at the plate with 2 stolen bases. Miranda Nash went 1 for 2 at the plate, and Marley Poole went 1 for 3 with an RBI. 

Game 2 (L, 3-2)

Game 2 for Owls was a close one, coming down to Xavier having an answer for the tying run in the 6th inning. In the circle, Amelia Stalter tallied up 3 strikeouts, 4 walks, and 2 runs on 3 hits in her 4 innings of work. Parrish came in to close it down again for MUW, pitching for 2 innings, allowing 1 run on 4 hits, with no walks and 1 strikeout. 

Offensively, it was a tough day for MUW's hitters, only collecting 2 runs on 6 hits in the contest. Again, Lauren Duckworth performed well, grabbing an RBI double and a stolen base. Jessica Deming went 1 for 2 at the plate with 2 stolen bases, and Hannah Hurdle collected one RBI in 4 plate appearances. 

The Owls will be back at Don Usher Field for Senior Day on Saturday, April 17th. The game, against Judson College, will begin at noon. For more information, check out owlsathletics.com.