CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The Western Illinois softball team dropped a pair of games to Nebraska and Saint Louis on Saturday (Feb. 13) on the second day of the UNI-Dome Classic. The Leathernecks had eight hits against the Huskers, but fell by a score of 3-2. Western was also unable to move past the Billikens, falling by a score of 8-3, and moving to 0-3 on the season.
 
GAME ONE: Nebraska 3, Western Illinois 2
 
In the first inning, Karissa Kouchis started the game strong for the Leathernecks with a leadoff double to center field, but was left on base at the end of the inning. Nebraska would hit a two-run home run at the bottom of the first to take a 2-0 lead.
 
Western would respond at the top the third after Rachel Beatty reached on an error. Following a Kouchis single, Tierney Bottino hit a single right up the middle to send Beatty home and the Leathernecks brought the score within one at the end of the inning.
 
At the bottom of the third, Nebraska responded with a lead off solo home to extend its lead to 3-0.
 
The Leathernecks trimmed the Husker lead in the top of the fifth after Beatty doubled to left center. One batter later, Tierney Bottino hit her second RBI double of the day to get Beatty home safe again. Bottino would eventually advance to third, but was left stranded and Western would head into the sixth down 3-2.
 
The Purple and Gold looked to rally in the top of the sixth after Kelsey Marlow single to right field, but the bats went cold and Western was unable to move past the Huskers and fell by a score of 3-2.
 
"I was really happy with our performance this morning against Nebraska. I thought we came out ready to play early in the morning, which I was really happy to see," said head coach Holly Van Vlymen. "I think defensively we played solid. I think Kacyee (Hart) pitched a great game, she did a great job and she actually got stronger as the game went on and I was really proud of her. Offensively, we did alright. We could have came through in a few key situations but it was definitely better and we built off of what we did the first day."
 
Kacyee Hart pitched a complete six innings for her first start of the season, with three hits, three runs, five walks, and two strikeouts. T. Bottino and Kouchis each went 2-4, with Bottino earning two RBIs in the losing effort.
 
GAME TWO: Saint Louis 8, Western Illinois 3
 
Kouchis would reach base in the leadoff position for the third straight game to get things going for Western. One batter later, Holly Hoelting hit a double to right center and advanced Kouchis to third. Hailey Duwa made her first at-bat as a Leatherneck a memorable one as she hit a two-run single up the middle to score Kouchis and Hoelting to give the Leathernecks an early 2-0 lead at the end of the first.
 
Saint Louis evened things up with a two-run home run at the top of the third. Western responded after Kouchis reached first on a bunt and a single by Hoelting moved her to third. Duwa was up next, and after reaching on a fielder's choice, the freshman advanced to second after a throwing error by the first baseman. Another throwing error by Saint Louis sent Kouchis home and the Leathernecks regained the 3-2 lead.
 
It was all Saint Louis after that, as they scored three runs in the fifth inning and three runs in the eighth to take the ballgame by a score of 8-3.
 
"I think our defense has been really solid up to this point," Van Vlymen said. "They've been communicating well and making the plays that they're needing to make. They're definitely helping our pitchers, especially Emily (Ira) who's a freshman, it really helped her and her pitching performance. I was really proud of Emily's performance. She went all seven innings today and I think that she did well. Even if she gave up a big hit she came right back and got that next out and didn't let that defeat her too much, I was really proud of her. This is going to be a learning experience for her."
 
Emily Ira made the second start of her career, pitching a complete seven innings. The freshman compiled a career-high eight strikeouts with ten hits, eight runs, and one walk. Kouchis went 2-4 with two runs, and Hoelting went 2-3 with one run.
 
The Leathernecks will look to bounce back tomorrow night for the third and final day of the UNI-Dome Classic. Western will face off against Drake at 5 p.m., followed by a game against tournament hosts UNI at 7:15.
 
"I think we're definitely making strides in the right direction and that's what we talk about every game is making sure we're improving and focusing on the things we need to focus on so that way we're once we hit Summit League we're ready to go," added Van Vlymen.