West Central Reporter

Western Illinois faced a challenging game against Cal State Bakersfield, ending in a 5-0 defeat during their neutral-site contest at RWSS Stadium. Despite managing ten hits, the Leathernecks (2-7) could not convert these opportunities into runs, leaving nine runners on base.

Cal State Bakersfield (5-5) capitalized on their chances with timely hitting, scoring three runs in the third inning and adding more in the fourth and fifth. Lillie Wools started for Western Illinois, pitching five innings and allowing five runs—four of which were earned—on eight hits while striking out one. Kaitlyn Green offered relief by pitching a perfect sixth inning.

Cynthia Hull led Western Illinois offensively with two hits out of three at-bats. Jillian Morris contributed with a double from the bench. Malia Robertson, Kaylee Ketcherside, Payton Brown, Maria Luna, Rylee Boone, and Alivia Beard each added a hit but struggled to bring runners home due to key missed opportunities.

For Cal State Bakersfield, Bailee Bustos pitched a complete-game shutout despite giving up ten hits to Western Illinois. Shaylene Fuimaono excelled at the plate with three hits in three attempts and an RBI.

Defensively, Western Illinois committed two errors compared to Cal State Bakersfield's clean fielding performance. The Leathernecks aim to recover in their upcoming games as they continue their series of neutral-site matchups.