The Western Illinois University Leathernecks women’s softball team lost both games of a doubleheader against Southeast Missouri on March 10, opening Ohio Valley Conference play in Marion, Illinois.
The results mark the start of conference competition for the Leathernecks, who compete at the NCAA Division I level as part of the Ohio Valley Conference, according to the official website. The series is significant as it sets the tone for their performance within the conference this season.
In game one, Western Illinois took an early lead with Angie Ortiz doubling to right center and bringing home the first run. The team extended its advantage in the third inning after a defensive error allowed Ortiz and Sophia Sanchez to score. However, Southeast Missouri responded with three runs in their half of the third inning to tie the game. A sacrifice fly by Southeast Missouri in the sixth inning gave them a 4–3 win. Ortiz led Western Illinois at bat, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored, while Payton Brown added an RBI double. Libby Spaulding pitched six innings for Western Illinois, allowing four runs on seven hits and striking out three.
In game two, Maria Luna’s RBI single put Western Illinois ahead early before Southeast Missouri tied it up in their half of the first inning. Ortiz’s sacrifice fly in the second gave her team a brief lead before Southeast Missouri broke open the game with nine runs in the third and four more in the fourth inning, leading to a 14–2 defeat for Western Illinois after five innings. Six different players recorded hits for Western Illinois: Alijah Williams, Kam Utendorf, Addie McLaughlin, Ruby Tarr, Hannah Simpson, and Luna. Audrey Clark was charged with the loss on the mound.
Western Illinois University Leathernecks Women’s Softball operates out of Macomb, Illinois and forms part of Western Illinois University’s intercollegiate athletics offerings according to information from their official website. The program includes notable players such as Payton Brown who has been recognized for her offensive contributions.
Looking ahead, fans can follow updates about Leatherneck Softball through GoLeathernecks.com or via social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.
