LEBANON, Ill.— The No. 4 UIndy softball team opened GLVC play with a pair of wins at McKendree University Thursday afternoon, downing the host Bearcats by scores of 21-4 and 6-2. The lopsided game-one final featured the Greyhounds' highest run total in a decade.
 
GAME 1 | UIndy 21, McK 4 (5 innings)
Already up seven runs through four innings, the Hounds took things to a completely different level in the fifth, plating an eyebrow-raising 11 runs to all but seal it. UIndy sent 15 batters to the plate in the frame, with Emily O'Connor's two-run blast – her first homer of the year – providing the highlight.
 
In the circle, ace Kenzee Smith got the win to move to 7-1 on the year. The hometown product surrendered a season-high five walks but limited the Bearcats to just two hits. Audrey Sizemore pitched the fifth to finish off the Bearcats.
 
O'Connor added an RBI triple in the second, while Tara Williams cranked her first collegiate home run with a three-run shot in the fourth. The latter finished with a career-best five RBIs to lead all players.
 
Gianni Iannantone and Haylie Foster contributed three hits apiece, while Dominique Proctor and Grace Mosele added pinch-hit ribbies in the fifth inning.
 
FUN FACT
The last time UIndy scored as many runs as today? March 5, 2012 when the Hounds put 23 runs on the board at Illinois Springfield.
 
FUNNER FACT
With a game-high four runs scored in the opener, Iannantone moved from sixth to fourth on the program's all-time career runs list.
 
GAME 2 | UIndy 6, McK 2
The Greyhounds actually trailed in game two, falling behind 2-1 in the second after a pair of unearned runs crossed the plate. It didn't last long, however, as Maddy Stout led off the third with a double and O'Connor followed with her second homer of the day, putting the Hounds up for good.
 
Sydnee Perry tacked on a solo shot in the fourth, while H. Foster and Megan Nichols notched RBIs in the later innings.
 
Foster also earned the decision from the circle, allowing zero earned runs and striking out a career-high nine.
 
UP NEXT
With the postponement of the home opener Friday, the Greyhounds shift their focus to their annual Spring Break trip. They're scheduled to play six games in Florida, starting with Dominican and New Haven on Monday, March 14