Honolulu, Hawaii – Western Illinois battled at the plate but couldn't break through on the scoreboard, suffering a 5-0 shutout loss to Cal State Bakersfield in a neutral-site contest on Saturday afternoon at RWSS Stadium.

Despite collecting ten hits, the Leathernecks (2-7) left nine runners stranded and were unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Roadrunners (5-5) took advantage of timely hitting, scoring three runs in the third inning before adding insurance runs in the fourth and fifth.

Lillie Wools (0-1) got the start for Western Illinois, pitching five innings while allowing five runs (four earned) on eight hits with one strikeout. Kaitlyn Green provided a strong relief outing, throwing a perfect sixth inning to keep the game within reach.

Offensively, Cynthia Hull led the Leathernecks with a 2-for-3 performance, while Jillian Morris added a double off the bench. Malia Robertson, Kaylee Ketcherside, Payton Brown, Maria Luna, Rylee Boone, and Alivia Beard each recorded a hit, but Western Illinois struggled to bring runners home, grounding into a key double play and missing chances with runners in scoring position.

Bailee Bustos shut down the Leathernecks' offense with a complete-game shutout for Cal State Bakersfield, allowing ten hits but keeping Western Illinois off the board. Shaylene Fuimaono led the Roadrunners at the plate, going 3-for-3 with an RBI.

Defensively, Western Illinois committed two errors, while Cal State Bakersfield played a clean game in the field.

The Leathernecks will look to bounce back in their next match up as they continue their stretch of neutral-site games.

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