The MUW softball team finished the regular season with a split in a doubleheader against Spalding University at home. The Owls, who are 17-14 overall and 12-4 in the SLIAC, won the first game 3-2 but fell 12-0 in the second.
Despite the loss in the second game, MUW finished in a three-way tie for second place in the league standings. Based on tiebreaker criteria, the Owls earned the No. 4 seed and will host No. 5 seed Westminster College in the SLIAC tournament quarterfinal Tuesday at Don Usher Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. Fans are reminded that tickets are cash-only, with prices set at $5 for adults, $3 for students and children, and free for MUW students with ID. Passes will not be accepted.
In the opening game, Spalding scored first with a run in the second inning. MUW responded in the fourth, tying the game on a sacrifice fly by Kaylee Crawford that scored Breanna Byrd. The Owls took the lead in the sixth when freshman Trinity Garvin doubled and was sacrificed to third. Crawford then hit a double to right field, driving home Garvin for a 2-1 lead.
Spalding tied the game in the seventh with a pair of hits and a sacrifice fly. However, MUW responded in the bottom of the inning. Freshman shortstop Avery Johnston led off with a triple. After a lineout, Madison York delivered a walk-off RBI single, giving the Owls a 3-2 victory. Brooklyn Rhodes earned her sixth win of the season, allowing five hits and striking out four in a complete game effort.
The second game was short-lived for MUW, as the team was limited to two singles by Gillion Eaves and Addison Owen. Garvin, who took the loss, was chased after two innings, allowing five runs. Rachel Etheridge pitched three scoreless innings afterward. The game was called early due to the run rule.
