INDIANAPOLIS – In what has become a yearly heartwarming event, the UIndy softball team hosted its annual MDA Day at Baumgartner Field Saturday. Though the Greyhounds lost both ends of a doubleheader versus Illinois Springfield, the big winner was the Muscular Dystrophy Association, whom the Hounds presented a $9,126.20 check on behalf of "Team Liam".
 
The term Team Liam was adopted in honor of Liam Ealy, nephew of Greyhound softball alum Megan (Hall) Slightom. Liam, who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at a young age, was on hand once again to throw out the first pitch. Click the link above to view a photo gallery of the pregame proceedings.
 
UIS 12, UIndy 1 (5 inn.)
The Prairie Stars (25-21, 11-11) emphatically broke a 1-1 tie with consecutive innings of three, three and five runs to finish with the highest run total by a UIndy opponent this season. The heart of the UIS order led the way, as hitters two through four combined to go 7 for 9 at the plate with seven runs scored.
 
Freshman Lauren Honkomp (20-7) took the loss in the circle, allowing seven runs (four earned) in just 3 1/3 innings.
 
Meanwhile, the Greyhounds amassed equal totals in the hit and error columns – four apiece. Katie Kelly and Jessie Noone each had a double, while Dani Turner and Cathy Skaggs both chipped in a single.
 
UIS 8, UIndy 1
Though they had a few more chances in game two, the Hounds again struggled to generate much offense at the plate. Natalie Lalich's double scored Noone in the third inning, but it proved to be the lone run of the game for the home team. UIndy would strand the bases loaded in both the second and fifth frames.
 
Nonetheless, the Hounds remained within striking distance until the Stars hung four runs on the board in the seventh to pull away.
 
Honkomp (20-8) got the start again in game two, and though she went the distance, she would again take the "L". After winning 20 consecutive decisions at one point this the season, the Richmond, Ind., native has now lost each of her last six starts.
 
The Greyhounds continue their lengthy homestand when they host non-conference-but-in-region Urbana University Wednesday April 19. First pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 2 p.m.