CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – Northern Iowa pitcher Kailyn Packard fanned nine batters and allowed just one hit in 4 2/3 innings of work to pace the Panthers to a 9-1 win over the University of Evansville softball team on Sunday at Robinson-Dresser Sports Complex.
Box Score
Another quick start saw UNI grab a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Addison McElrath capped off the scoring with a 2-run double. Evansville cut into the deficit in the top of the second when Zoe Frossard singled to bring in Alexa Davis. Davis was hit by a pitch to lead off the frame before stealing second and scoring on Frossard's 1-out hit.
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In the bottom of the third, UNI put the game out of reach with six runs scoring, all with two outs. Following a walk and a single, Brooke Snider launched a 3-run shot to left center. Another RBI single, coupled with two bases loaded walks, extended the lead to 9-1.
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That would be the final score after five innings. Megan Brenton made the start with all nine runs being charged to her. She threw 2 2/3 innings. Erin Kleffman tossed a scoreless 1 1/3 frames. UE picked up one hit on the day with Frossard picking up a single. Northern Iowa had seven hits in the game.
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Evansville enters the Missouri Valley Conference Championship as the #9 seed and will face #8 Drake on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Carbondale, Ill.
