SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Davenport University softball team dropped a pair of games to Illinois Springfield on the second and final day of the UIS Tournament. The doubleheader marked the 13th game in nine days for the Panthers (5-12, 0-0 GLIAC), all of which were played on the road. 

Game 1 
Result: L, 7-6 (11 Inn.)
How it Happened:
Emma Miller was in the circle for the Panthers, recording a career-high 10 strikeouts. The senior's previous best came last season, tossing nine strikeouts in a 5-2 victory over Gannon on March 1, 2022.

Neither team was able to create separation through seven innings, going into extra innings tied 3-3. The defense was at the forefront on both sides in the eighth and ninth innings, as no runs werebrought home and only one hit was recorded.

The Panthers gained their first lead of the contest in the 10th inning, as Brooke Bernt and Elisse Omey each rounded the bases to garner a 5-3 advantage over the Prairie Stars (12-5, 0-0 GLVC). However, UIS answered with two runs of its own to force an 11th inning.

In the ensuing inning, Bernt singled up the middle, allowing Riley Hasseld to reach home and regain a one-point advantage for DU. Illinois Springfield once again responded under pressure, bringing home two runs and barley edging Davenport.

Gabby Palazzolo finished with a game-high three hits, while Bernt added two hits, one RBI, and one run for DU. Omey chipped in with one hit, one run, and three RBIs for the Panthers. Hayley Kreiger recorded her first career home run in the loss for DU.

Game 2
Result: L, 10-8
How it Happened:
Davenport had its best inning of the day in the fourth, behind four runs and holding Illinois Springfield to only one hit and no runs.

Palazzolo set things in motion for the Panthers, hitting a two-RBI single to right field as Becca Daoust and Kaycee Loehr reached home. Hasseld scored the final run of the inning for DU as Alexis Cardona hit a line drive past the left side of the circle. 

Davenport tied the game at seven apiece in the top of the sixth inning after finding itself in a seven-point deficit early, as Illinois Springfield jumped out to a 7-0 lead to conclude the second inning.

However, UIS brought home six runs in the bottom of the sixth to seal the game and regain a 10-7 advantage.

Up Next:
The Panthers now have 12 days off before they hit the road again, returning to action on Friday, March 17 in a doubleheader with Walsh in North Canton, Ohio. The first pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m., with the second game to follow.