ROCHESTER, Mich. - Western Illinois softball completes the Summit League series sweep over Oakland in run-rule fashion on Sunday (April 1). The 9-1 six-inning victory brings the team's overall record to 20-14 on the year and 10-2 in conference play.

Following a scoreless first, Ashley Campbell started the second with a four-pitch walk and moved up to third on a Megan Kelly single to left center. With runners at second and third, Hailey Bickford reached on a fielder's choice to load the bases for Emma Jarrell. She singled down the left line plating a run, but Kelly was caught at home for the first out of the inning. Sammy Marshall picked up an RBI with a bunt single and promptly stole her 42nd bag of the season, tying the Western Illinois single season record.

In the top of the third, Jamie Goss reached on an error, Lia Romeo got thumped with her 16th pitch of the season and Campbell walked to load the bases with no outs. A wild pitch plated Goss, then Bickford ripped a two RBI double to right center making it 5-0 Leathernecks.

Oakland tried for a two-out rally in the bottom of the inning but stranded runners at second and third.

The Leathernecks picked up a run in a historic fourth. Marshall singled up the middle before stealing her 43rd bag of the season etching her name in the Western Illinois record book by breaking the previous single season record of 42 stolen bases held by Venus Taylor. The 43 steals tops Venus Taylor in both the Western Illinois record book, and The Summit League record book. She was moved to third on a KC Dunne sacrifice bunt and came around to score on a Goss bunt single giving the team a 6-0 edge.

The Golden Grizzlies spoiled the shut out in the bottom of the fifth with a lead off single and a double to the wall in left with two outs put a run on the board.

Western Illinois got the run back in the sixth and then some with a two out rally. Marshall walked with one out and stole her 44th bag of the season to reach scoring position. Goss doubled, Romeo singled and Campbell doubled to force an Oakland pitching change. Kelly plated another run to give the game it's final 9-1 mark.

The run rule was enforced after the Golden Grizzlies failed to score a run in the bottom of the sixth.

Kelsey Michelini earned her 11th win in the circle for her six full innings of work. She allowed one earned run and six hits.

Two Leathernecks picked up multiple hits in the game. Goss led the way going three-for-four with two RBI and Marshall went two-for-three with one RBI and three stolen bases. Designated hitter Bickford earned two RBI in her one-for-four performance at the plate.

Western Illinois softball is back in the dirt at home on Tuesday (April 3) in doubleheader action against Northern Iowa. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. at Mary Ellen McKee Stadium in Macomb, Ill.

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