West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University faced a challenging game against Tennessee Tech, resulting in a 12-3 loss in a shortened five-inning contest at Tech Softball Field. The Leathernecks struggled from the start as the Golden Eagles took an early lead with nine runs in the first inning. Western Illinois' pitching staff found it difficult to contain Tennessee Tech's offense, allowing ten hits and issuing four walks. Lillie Wools, who started for WIU, was charged with the loss after giving up nine runs—seven of which were earned—on six hits in just two-thirds of an inning.

The Leathernecks managed to find some offensive rhythm later in the game. They scored two runs in the fourth inning with RyLee German and Megan Leonard crossing home plate. An additional run was added in the fifth inning, but it was insufficient to close the gap created earlier. Despite the defeat, WIU showed patience at bat by drawing nine walks. Kaylee Ketcherside made a notable contribution with two RBIs without recording an official at-bat, having walked four times.

Maria Luna and RyLee German each secured a hit for Western Illinois, with German also scoring a run. However, defensive errors added to their challenges on the field.

On the pitching side, WIU used three pitchers: Lillie Wools, Libby Spaulding, and Audrey Clark combined for four innings of play, surrendering 12 runs (eight earned) on ten hits.

Tennessee Tech improved their record to 10-19 with help from Alina Schlageter's three-hit, two-RBI performance. The team capitalized on early opportunities and went 6-for-13 with runners in scoring position.

Looking ahead, Western Illinois University aims to bounce back during their upcoming home game against Drake University on Tuesday, March 25 at 3 p.m., hoping for better results before their home crowd.

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