MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois softball dropped both games of its Friday, April 18th, doubleheader against SIUE at Mary Ellen McKee Stadium, falling 5-2 in Game 1 and 16-1 in Game 2.

In the opener, the Leathernecks battled early, tying the game in the third inning thanks to a sacrifice fly from Payton Brown and an RBI single by Sophia Sanchez. Megan Leonard and Malia Robertson each tallied a hit and a run, while Kaylee Ketcherside and Maria Luna added singles. Lillie Wools threw a complete game, striking out four over 7.0 innings, but was tagged with the loss after allowing five earned runs on 11 hits.

Game 2 saw the Cougars' offense surge, plating nine runs in the second inning and finishing with 16 total. Western's lone highlight came in the fourth when Jillian Morris launched a solo home run—her first of the season. Morris led the team at the plate this afternoon, going 2-for-2 with the RBI. Payton Brown also stayed hot with two doubles, extending her recent hitting streak. Luna and Morris had five of WIU's five total hits.

Audrey Clark took the loss in Game 2, surrendering eight runs (six earned) in 1.2 innings. Kathryn McChristy pitched in relief, giving up eight runs in 3.1 innings of work. The Leathernecks were charged with two errors in the second game, both on Brown.

WIU will look to regroup on Saturday, April 19th, in the series finale as they aim to bounce back and defend their home field. First pitch is scheduled for noon at Mary Ellen McKee Stadium in Macomb, IL. 

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