The William Jewell softball team ended the regular season with a split with Illinois Springfield on Sunday afternoon in Liberty, Mo. The Cardinals grabbed a big 9-1 win the opener before dropping a 2-0 decision in nine innings in game two. Both the Cardinals and Prairie Stars end the regular season at 24-26 overall and 14-16 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, meaning that tie breaking rules will come into effect for the postseason tournament.
In the opener, Jewell struggled early against UIS's Alexandria Smith totaling just one base runner through the first four innings. Meanwhile the Prairie Stars plated a run in the top of the third on an RBI single from Madi Torry.
In the bottom of the fifth the Cardinal bats finally came alive scoring four runs to take a 4-1 lead. Shelby McGraw led off the inning with a single and advanced to third on an error. Aerin Creamer then came through with an RBI single to tie the game at one.
After Megan Barnes was hit by a pitch to load the bases things unraveled for UIS. Madi Giles flew out to the Prairie Star shortstop but an error on the first baseman allowed three runs to score.
In the bottom of the sixth the Cardinals ended the game thanks to three home runs. Brooke Bernard led off with a solo shot for her team leading ninth long ball of the season. Following two singles, Nona Pauline sent a three run blast to left center followed by a solo home run from Creamer to end the game with the 9-1 run rule victory.
After the offensive output of game one, the nightcap got off to a much slower start as the two teams were still scoreless after seven complete innings.
In the top of the ninth Illinois Springfield scored two runs on two hits and an a Cardinal error. Three groundouts ended the game and gave Jewell split to end the regular season.
The Cardinals were limited to just three hits, one each from Giles, Maddie Greenstreet, and Anna Biondo.
McGraw enjoyed a great day in the circle earning the game one win and a tough loss in the nightcap to finish the regular season 15-16. On the day McGraw went 15 innings, allowing just 11 hits and two earned runs while striking out nine.
The Cardinals are believed to have claimed the final position in the GLVC postseason tournament but the official qualifiers will be released Sunday evening. Should the Cardinals make the field they will travel to Peoria, Ill. next weekend to take part in the eight team tournament.
