ST. CHARLES, Mo. — Western Illinois Softball earned a hard-fought doubleheader split with Lindenwood on Saturday, April 12th, bouncing back from a narrow 8-6 loss in Game 1 with an impressive 8-3 win in the second afternoon game at Lou Brock Sports Complex.

In Game 1, the Leathernecks saw a late rally fall just short after plating five runs in the seventh inning. Despite outhitting Lindenwood 11-6, Western Illinois struggled to convert early opportunities into runs. Sophia Sanchez led the way with three hits and two RBIs, while Maria Luna added a two-run single. Starting pitcher Audrey Clark was tagged with the loss, allowing six runs over 3.2 innings. Lindenwood's early 5-run fourth inning proved decisive, despite a late Leatherneck surge.

The team responded with authority in Game 2. Western Illinois posted 12 hits and capitalized on clutch hitting to even the series. Ruby Tarr and RyLee German each recorded multi-hit games, while Luna once again drove in three runs. Lillie Wools delivered a complete-game performance in the circle, striking out one and limiting Lindenwood to three runs on 10 hits across 128 pitches. Wools also helped her own cause at the plate, collecting two hits and driving in three runs.

Payton Brown and Sophia Sanchez set the table effectively, combining for three hits and three runs scored. WIU scored in four separate innings, highlighted by a two-run fifth and a two-run insurance frame in the seventh. The defense was sound, committing no errors in Game 2.

With the win, Western Illinois improves to 10-27 overall and 6-11 in Ohio Valley Conference play. The Leathernecks will look to build momentum as they continue their road stretch in OVC action tomorrow, April 13th, in series finale against Lindenwood. 

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