Springfield, Ill.---The ICC softball team split a double-header with Lincoln Land on Thursday, losing 6-1 but bouncing back in Game 2 to win 4-1 in Region 24 action in Springfield.
Kiersten Manning came up with a big performance in Game 2 with 13 strikeouts to give ICC the boost they needed to get the win. ICC's record is now 22-12 overall and 11-7 in Region 24 while Lincoln Land is 9-23.
Game 1 Recap
The Cougars out-hit the Loggers but it wasn't enough.
Hanna Evans took the loss, lasting two and two-thirds innings, allowing four hits and five runs.
Leaders:
Sydnee Usherwood 4-4, 4 singles
Allie Scrivner 2-3, 2 singles
Game 2 Recap
The Cougars scored two runs in the bottom of the fourth. Savannah Clifton walked, followed by
Hillary Mason and
Alicia Casas singles. Usherwood came up big with a 2-RBI double as ICC led 2-0.
LLCC answered with one run in the bottom of the fourth but Manning continued to work her magic to limit the Loggers' scoring opportunities.
ICC added two runs in the sixth as Casas was hit by a pitch,
Amelia Johnson doubled, and
Olivia Drish singled to put ICC up 4-1 for the final margin.
Leaders:
Drish 3-4, 3 singles
Usherwood 1-3, double, 2 RBI
Mason 2-4, 2 singles
Casas 2-2, 2 singles
Next up: The Cougars, who have had six games in the past three days, will have a much needed day off from games on Friday before hosting the NFCA triple-header on Saturday at Thome Field. Saturday's schedule is as follows:
1pm: ICC vs. #1 (in NJCAA D3 poll) Rock Valley (Sophomore Day celebrated before the game)
3pm: ICC vs. (receiving votes in DI poll) Indian Hills
5pm: Rock Valley vs. Indian Hills
Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score
