STRIKEOUT Cancer Sees Softball Split
Published: April 13, 2021
GREENVILLE, Ill. The GC club delivered a 7-1 win over Millikin University and followed with a close 3-4 loss to Lindenwood Belleville at Lady Panther Field on Wednesday night to split their contests in the STRIKEOUT Cancer exhibition.
In the split GC softball moved their seasons record to 14-19 (8-4 SLIAC) and currently find themselves in the 3rd spot in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Conference Standings with the 2012 SLIAC Tournament fast approaching.
Lady Panther Field was the site of GC Softballs annual Breast Cancer Awareness STRIKEOUT cancer exhibition. Wednesday nights showcase included Greenville College, Millikin University, and Lindenwood - Belleville University, with all three squad participating in a round-robin format exchange.
In game one of the nights opener the Panthers utilized another masterful pitching performance from their freshman Jessica Laubecher to help push past a talented Millikin University squad 7-1. Laubecher hurled a complete-game, four-hitter and allowed only one earned run with three strikeouts. Offensively the Panthers hung two runs in the fourth, three in the fifth, and two in the sixth to claim the advantage.
Senior slugger Rachel Brewer delivered a 3-for-3 effort at the dish with two runs and an RBI to help pace the home squad. Sophomore middle infielders Mattie Fairchild and Sarah Gerig also contributed noteworthy performances in the 7-1 win, each hitting 2-for-4 with two runs, and two RBIs respectively.
The second contest of the night featured Milliken edge Lindenwood 3-2, serving as GCs intermission.
In nightcap action the Panthers fell in a 3-4 heartbreaker to NAIA Lindenwood. The contest was tight from first pitch as both clubs battled well into the decisive seventh inning. With LUB holding a slight 4-3 margin in the bottom of the seventh, the Panthers could not capitalize with the winning run at plate as Lindenwood hurler Ally Lumsden retired GCs Gerig and sealed the contest.
GC starter Angela Sheets was dealt the loss in the defensive duel. Sheets tossed well, surrendering only two earned on four hits in her four innings of work before being relieved by Laubecher. Offensively the first baseman Brewer continued to supply production, batting 2-for-2 with a clutch RBI double. Junior Angie Doherty registered a 2-for-4 showing with two runs scored in the loss.
I am proud of the way our girls battled tonight, remarked head coach Tenequa Martin. We continue to fight no matter what the circumstance, and that is a huge asset. As a program we are proud to host the STRIKEOUT Cancer event, and compete on behalf of this important cause.
Since starting the Strikeout Cancer initiative over ten years ago, NFCA membership teams have raised tens of thousands of dollars to support the fight against cancer. In addition to fundraised dollars, this initiative has provided a platform to raise awareness for breast cancer as well as support for women's cancer research.
Softball will next take the field on Saturday, April 28 as the Panthers battle SLIAC opponent Spalding University in Kentucky. First pitch of the scheduled double-header will take flight a 12:00 pm, with the capper starting at 2:00 pm.
