Panther softball falls to Valparaiso, 5-4

Saturday, May 4

Valparaiso, Ind.

2 p.m.

University of Northern Iowa

30-16, 17-6

Valparaiso

9-38, 3-19

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
UNI	2	2	0	0	0	0	0	4	7	3
Valparaiso	0	0	0	0	0	2	3	5	10	0

UNI softball at Valparaiso | May 3-5, 2024 (Valparaiso, Ind.)

Photo by: AJ Stevens

Panther softball falls to Valparaiso, 5-4

5/4/2024 4:52:00 PM | Softball

Box Score FINAL RESULTS Photo Gallery

UNI’s 11-game winning streak snapped in Valparaiso comeback. Panthers close the regular season on Sunday at 12 p.m. CT.

VALPARAISO, Ind. --- UNI's 11-game win streak was snapped on Saturday afternoon as Valparaiso scored five runs in the final two innings to defeat the Panthers by a 5-4 score at the Valpo Softball Complex.

Northern Iowa was able to plate four runs in the first two innings and hold off scoring threats in the third, fourth and fifth innings before the Beacons stormed back, ending their own 18-game skid and picking up only their second win all-time against UNI.

Facing off against Beacons' starting pitcher Caitlyn Kowalski, the Panther bats started the day hot with three extra base hits, led off by a Madison Parks double and Kate Lappe home run for a 2-0 lead. Valparaiso would make a change in the circle after just one inning, inserting Sydney McDermont into the lineup.

In the second frame, a Daryn Lamprecht walk, Parks single and Alexis Pupillo hit by pitch would load the bags for a sacrifice fly by Lappe to score the pinch-runner Gretta Hartz from third. Parks would come home one batter later on a wild throw into the outfield trying to catch Pupillo stealing second, stretching UNI's lead to 2-0.

The Beacons would get at least one base runner in each of the next three innings as Northern Iowa was retired in order in the third and fourth, failed to score in the fifth after a lead-off single to left-field by Addison McElrath and was set down in order again in the top of the sixth.

In the sixth, Natalie Bush led off for Valparaiso by reaching base by an error by Sanders. After a Regi Hecker fly out, Emily Crompton singled up the middle to bring around Bush and give the Beacons their first run of the series. Kim Rodas would reach on a fielder's choice while Lexi Szostak put runners at the corners with a single to right-field with just one out. Pinch running for Rodas at third, Lauren Sena seized the opportunity and stole home plate, cutting UNI's lead to 4-2 with one inning to play.

The Panthers were unable to add any insurance runs after a two-out double by Faith Standerski in the top of the seventh inning. In the bottom half of the final frame, three straight Beacons would reach base after a Carson Kuhlman single, a Kayla Skapyak fielder's choice and an Alexis Johnson bunt single. Bush would score Kuhlman on a single to right-field, while Skapyak scored on a passed ball from Anna Wischnowski to Savanna Jemilo to tie the game at 4-4. Hecker would seal the game for Valparaiso with a walk-off single through the right side of the infield to bring home Johnson for the 5-4 victory.

The loss drops Northern Iowa to 30-16 and 16-6 in Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) play, while the Beacons improve to 9-38 and 3-18 in league action.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

UNI falls to 21-2 all-time against Valparaiso after Saturday's loss, snapping a 14-game winning streak against the Beacons dating back to 2018.
With Southern Illinois' win at Murray State on Saturday, the Panthers have locked up the two-seed for next week's MVC Tournament in Normal, Illinois.
Anna Wischnowski was charged with the loss, falling to 13-7 on the year after a complete game with five strikeouts and one walk, as well as ten hits and one earned run allowed.
Kate Lappe's first inning home run was her sixth of the season and of her career. She has also driven in 29 runs this season.
Saturday's outing by Lappe was her sixth game this season with multiple RBIs, including her fourth game with at least three runs batted in.
Madison Parks recorded her 12th multi-hit game of the season with a three-hit game on Saturday, including her third game of the year with at least three hits. Saturday was also her first game since this year's season opener against Western Illinois where she recorded two doubles.

UP NEXT
The Panthers will conclude their series with the Beacons and the regular season on Sunday afternoon with game three of the series at 12 p.m. CT. Live coverage from the Valpo Softball Complex can be found on ESPN+.