University of Northern Iowa Athletics
University of Northern Iowa
Valparaiso
Panther softball sets single-season stolen base record in a victory over Valparaiso
5/2/2025 7:30:00 PM | Softball
UNI softball opened the final series of the regular season with a 4-1 win.
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — The Panthers opened their final weekend of regular season play with game one of a three-game series against Valparaiso on Friday evening. A home run in the bottom of the fifth proved to be the difference maker in the contest as UNI took game one by a 4-1 final.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Four and a half scoreless innings opened the contest between the Beasons and the Panthers. Addison McElrath came up to bat in the bottom of the fifth inning to change that. With runners on first and second bases, McElrath launched her 13th long ball of the season to open UNI scoring. Valpo answered with a run in the top of the sixth inning to cut into the UNI lead.
Kate Lappe launched her 17th home run of the season on the very first pitch of her at bat after welcoming a new pitcher to the contest to give UNI a 4-1 lead. The Beacons loaded the bases in the top of the seventh with one out, but the Panthers got out of it including an overturned review of a pick off at first base for the third and final out of the frame. The Panthers took home the 4-1 victory.
BY THE NUMBERS
A stolen base from Adalyn Reynolds in the sixth inning, the Panthers broke the program's single-season stolen base record set in 2023. Kate Lappe recorded a pair of hits in three at-bats while McElrath finished with three RBIs. Kara Maiers picked up her first victory of the season after 5.2 innings in the circle. The senior struck out five batters en route to the victory.
UP NEXT
The Panthers and the Beacons face off in game two of the series at Robinson-Dresser Saturday, May 3 at 2 p.m. CT. Streaming will be available on ESPN+.
UNI softball action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Softball), X (@UNISoftball), and on Instagram (@unisoftball). The 2025 schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.
