IW Athletics
Anna Zander, Sports Information Director

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – The Iowa Wesleyan softball team returned to action for their second day of games over spring break.  They opened the day with a 14-5 win over Clarks Summit College and followed with a 4-3 walk-off loss in extras against Medaille College.

The Tigers had a big first inning, scoring five runs on five hits to take the early lead in the opening game.  Ashley Machholz tripled to right field to drive in a run and would come across the plate after Emma McDanel reached on an error, which gave IW a 7-0 lead. Clarks Summit scored two runs on passed balls to bring the score to 7-2 in the bottom of the second.

The added three runs over the next three innings to get within two of the Tiger lead after the fifth. Iowa Wesleyan had another big inning in the top of the sixth.  IW scored four runs with the help of five hits and an error to extend their lead to 11-5. The Tiger defense held Clarks Summit without a hit in the bottom of the sixth, and Iowa Wesleyan added three more runs in the 7th. With two runners on, Emma McDanel singled to right field to drive in one run.  Alex Eyman came to the plate with one out and hit a two run double to bring the score to 14-5. Morgan Christner struck out the side and help the Tigers to their third straight win.

Ashley Machholz and Emma McDanel were each 3-4 at the play, with McDanel driving in two runs.  Alex Eyman finished with a team high four runs batted in. Emma McDanel pitched six innings and struck out nine, and Morgan Christner came in to close out the game with one inning of work and three strikeouts.

The Tigers once again struck first in their second game.  Kayla Ford scored on a passed ball to put IW up 1-0. Medaille answered in the bottom of the first after taking advantage of an error by Iowa Wesleyan.  Both defenses were solid through the next six innings, which forced extra innings.

Morgan Christner came to the plate with one out in the top of the eighth and doubled to left field. She advanced to third on a ground out by Alex Eyman, which then brought up Emma McDanel.  She kept the Tigers alive with a bunt and moved into scoring position by stealing second. McKenna Woolery singled to left field, driving in two runs to give Iowa Wesleyan their first lead since the top of the first inning.  Medaille would hit back to back doubles with one out for the walkoff 4-3 win over the Tigers.

Kayla Ford and Morgan Christner each recorded two hits for Iowa Wesleyan in the loss.  Christner pitched a complete game for the Tigers and struck out eight batters.

Iowa Wesleyan will play two more games tomorrow. They will open the day against Centenary at 2:30pm central standard time and follow with a game against Mt. Aloysius at 4:30pm central standard time.  The Tigers now have an overall record of 3-1 on the season.