ELSAH, Ill. – The Spalding University softball team took both games of a double-header from Principia, 8-1 and 2-0. The Golden Eagles improved to 10-20 on the season, with a 5-7 mark in the SLIAC. The Panthers drop to 4-24 on the year, with a 2-12 record in the conference. In the first game, Robyn Schoen (5-9) picked up the victory, while Leah Schaefer (1-9) took the loss. The second game saw Amber Kilburn (3-9) earn the win, while Noelle Shoemake (2-6) was tagged with the loss.
 
Kaylin Rucker led the way for the Golden Eagles, going 3-for-5 with a walk, a RBI, and two runs. Amanda Gilliland had a strong performance going 3-for-8 with a RBI and a run. Alyssa McAfee went 3-for-7 with a RBI and three runs.
 
The first inning saw Spalding strike quickly in the top of the first. With runners on first and second, Samantha Klein hit a RBI single to make it 1-0. An error during the next at-bat would allow Gilliland to score, making it 2-0.  A groundout would then bring another run home to give Spalding a 3-0 lead. In the bottom of the second, Principia would get on the board with a RBI single to make it 3-1, Spalding. The Golden Eagles would strike back in the top of the third. With runners on second and third, Brooke Lamon hit a two RBI single to stretch the lead to 5-1, Spalding. The lead would be extended to 6-1 in the top of the fourth on a RBI single from Gilliland. SU would put the game away in the top of the seventh when Shelby Kilgore hit a two RBI single, pushing the lead to 8-1. The defense would hold in the bottom half, ending the game on a double play.
 
The second game proved to be a much more defensive affair. The two teams would combine for four hits in the first three innings. Spalding would finally breakthrough in the top of the fourth. A throwing error on a fielder's choice would bring McAfee home from third to make it 1-0. Rucker would single with the bases loaded to bring in the games only other run to make it 2-0, Spalding. Kilburn handled the Panther offense the rest of the way to complete the shutout.
 
Spalding will be back in action, Sunday April 24^th when they travel to Fulton, Mo. to take on Westminster College in double-header action. The first game is scheduled for 2 pm EDT.