LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Spalding softball started off St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) play against Fontbonne University this past weekend with a doubleheader split.

Spalding made an improvement on their record to 12-8 and is currently ranked fourth in the SLIAC standings.

GAME ONE - SPALDING 2, FONTBONNE 4

In game one, the Griffins took command of the game early on. In the second inning, Fontbonne scored the first run of the game with a fielder's choice. At the top of the third, another Griffin nabbed a two-RBI single but was ultimately out at second by the throw from Karlee Terral to Jenni Beasley. The play brought home two opponents to make the score 3-0 in favor of Fontbonne. Then a bases-loaded walk brought the score to 4-0.

At the bottom of the same inning, Jessica Tucker was able to get on first off of a fielding error from shortstop. Bella Velez made it onto the base by a walk, which moved Tucker to second. Kailey Reed came in to pinch-run for Velez. Madison Loechle was at bat next and nabbed a two-RBI double out to left field. That play brought the score up to 4-2 which is where it stayed as the Griffins held on to take game one.

GAME TWO - SPALDING 2, FONTBONNE 1

Similar to the first game, the Griffins took control of the game first. Fontbonne was the first to make contact with the home plate in the top of the fourth. An RBI sacrifice fly from put the game's first run up.

In the bottom of the same inning, the Golden Eagles responded well to the pressure that was put on them. Velez hit a double to right field before Terral came in to pinch run for her. A Loechle walk followed and put runners on first and second base. With the second walk of the inning up next, the bases were loaded. Brooklynn Nolot came to the plate with two outs on the board and hit an RBI single up middle to bring Terral home to tie the game 1-1.

With both teams performing well defensively, the game went into an extra inning. Spalding took full control in that final inning. Both teams had a runner start at second in the extra inning. The Golden Eagles made quick work of the top of the frame with all three Griffin batters popping out. With Tucker on second, Velez hit a single to put her on base and send Tucker to third. With a steal from Velez and a Loechle walk, Spalding had the bases loaded. Kaleigh Franklin-Brooks was next at bat. She was ultimately hit by a pitch which brought Tucker home to score the winning run to bring the score to 2-1.

GOLDEN EAGLE NOTES:

• In the first game, both Madison Loechle and Jessica Tucker went 1-for-3 at the plate. Loechle also lead the Golden Eagles in RBI with two.
• During the second game, Bella Velez went 2-for-4 at bat. Brooklynn Nolot lead Spalding in RBI with one.
• In the first game, Bella Velez pitched the full seven innings. She allowed eight hits and four earned runs while adding four strikeouts.
• During the second game, Michaela Ferman was the winning pitcher and pitched the full eight innings. She allowed six hits and just one earned run and had four strikeouts.

UP NEXT FOR SPALDING
The Golden Eagles continue their SLIAC play by going against the Blackburn Beavers in a doubleheader on the road on Friday, April 15 in Carlinville, Ill. First pitch is set for 4 p.m.