Who | Western Illinois vs Arkansas Pine Bluff
When | Thursday, February 12, 3:30 P.M. | Friday, February 13, 12:00 P.M.| Friday, February 13, 2:00 P.M.
Where | Torii Hunter Softball Complex | Pine Bluff, AR

Leathernecks Head to Arkansas Pine Bluff 

The Leathernecks hit the road this weekend for a three-game series at Arkansas Pine Bluff. Western Illinois looks to carry momentum into the matchup as they travel south for the nonconference set, with the series providing another opportunity to build consistency and rhythm early in the season.

Coming Off Detroit Mercy Victory

Western Illinois put together a resilient comeback in the nightcap, erasing an eight-run deficit to defeat Detroit Mercy 9-8.

After Detroit Mercy built an 8-0 lead through five innings, the Leathernecks began their rally with two runs in the bottom of the fifth and added three more in the sixth to cut the deficit to 8-5 heading into the seventh.

Western Illinois completed the comeback in the final inning. Payton Brown opened the frame with a single, followed by a base hit from Kam Utendorf. Sophia Sanchez was hit by a pitch to load the bases before Raegan Boone drove in a run on a groundout to shortstop. Ruby Tarr followed with a clutch single up the middle to score Utendorf and Kennedy Highley, who pinch ran for Sanchez, and advanced to second on the throw home. Maria Luna and Angie Ortiz drew back-to-back walks to reload the bases, setting up Alijah Williams, who delivered the walk-off single up the middle to score Tarr.

Hot Start at the Plate

Ruby Tarr has opened her sophomore campaign in dominant fashion, hitting .500 through the first five games of the season. She has tallied seven hits in 14 at-bats, driving in a team-high seven RBIs while adding a double and eight total bases. Tarr owns a 1.071 OPS and .571 slugging percentage. Her presence in the lineup has been a key spark for the Leathernecks' early offensive success.

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