Panthers Split Twin Bill with Shockers

Saturday, April 26

Wichita, Kan.

12:00 PM

University of Northern Iowa

Wichita State

Panthers Split Twin Bill with Shockers

4/26/2008 8:00:00 AM | Softball

By: UNI Athletics Communications

April 26, 2008

Game 1 Box Score | Game 2 Box Score

WICHITA, Kan. - The University of Northern Iowa softball team split a twin bill contest against Wichita State Saturday afternoon. The Shockers took the first game from the Panthers, scoring two runs in the second inning for a 2-0 win. UNI bounced back in game two, converting six hits into six runs in the top of the third earning the 6-1 win.

Game 1

The first game of the doubleheader proved to be a pitcher's duel, as both teams combined for just nine hits in the contest. UNI's Jen Larsen (Moline, Ill./Moline) and Wichita State's Ashly Bright combined to throw 17 strikeouts while allowing just four walks.

The Shockers put the only runs on the board in the bottom of the second inning, aided by a Panther error. UNI threatened in the top of the fourth, but was unable to convert and left three runners stranded. Larsen drilled a single to left field, followed by a single through the left side by Morgan Paulson reached base after being hit by a pitch, thus loading the bases for the Panthers. Bright ended the Panthers hope to score however, striking out the next batter for the final out of the inning.

Bright allowed the Panthers just four hits, three by Jen Larsen (Moline, Ill./Moline), in comparison to throwing 14 strikeouts. Larsen took the loss for the Panthers, allowing the Shockers just five hits while throwing three strikeouts.

Game 2

Six runs from the Panthers in the top of the third helped propel UNI to a 6-1 win in the second game of the afternoon.

Morgan Paulson (Fort Dodge, Iowa/Fort Dodge) hit a two RBI single through the right side to put the Panthers up 6-0.

The UNI defense held strong, allowing Wichita State just one run in the bottom of the fourth, and earned the 6-1 win.

Lepley earned the win for the Panthers in the circle, allowing the Shockers just four hits in seven innings of work. Smet took the loss for the Shockers, giving up seven hits in just 2.1 innings.

UNI (19-25, 4-13 MVC) and Wichita State will wrap-up the three game series tomorrow with a single game beginning at 12 p.m.