WAUKESHA, Wis. — The Carroll University softball team earned a split with Carthage on Tuesday afternoon, falling in the opener before bouncing back with a strong response in game two over a Firebirds team who hadn't lost in conference play yet.
Game 1 – Carthage 9, Carroll 0
Carthage took control early in the opener, using consistent offense throughout the lineup to secure a 9–0 victory in six innings.
The Firebirds scored in the first inning and then broke the game open with a four-run third, building a lead that Carroll was unable to overcome. Carroll was limited to one hit in the contest, a single by Alexa Gatz, while drawing two walks.
In the circle, Makayla Wall worked the opening 2.1 innings before Madelyn Eckl provided relief for the remainder of the game. Carroll battled defensively but was unable to slow Carthage's offense as the visitors finished with 15 hits.
Game 2 – Carroll 5, Carthage 3
Carroll responded in a big way in the nightcap, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first inning and holding on for a 5–3 win.
After Carthage jumped out to a 3–0 lead in the top of the first, the Pioneers answered immediately. Carroll used patience at the plate and timely hitting to plate four runs in the opening frame, highlighted by RBI hits from Madison Hoagland, Valerie Osthoff, and Jennavieve Andler, along with an RBI walk from Alexa Gatz.
Carroll added an insurance run in the fourth inning when Gatz delivered an RBI single to extend the lead to 5–3.
In the circle, Mya Schneider turned in a complete-game performance, allowing three runs on eight hits while working out of multiple jams to earn the win. Schneider kept Carthage off the board over the final six innings, helping Carroll close out the victory.
Offensively, Carroll finished with 10 hits in game two, led by Abigail Curtis and Makayla Grantz, who each collected two hits, as the Pioneers showcased balanced production throughout the lineup. Curtis' second hit of the game also made her the career leader in hits for the Pioneer Softball program, a testament to her consistency and great play over her career.
Carroll will look to build off the momentum from the game two win as conference play continues this Saturday as the Pioneers head to Chicago for a doubleheader with North Park starting at 1pm.
