WHEATON, Ill. — The Carroll University softball team earned a split in its CCIW doubleheader at Wheaton on Tuesday afternoon, bouncing back with a 10-7 victory in the second game after dropping the opener.

Game 1 – Wheaton 5, Carroll 1
Carroll was limited offensively in the first game of the day, managing four hits as Wheaton capitalized on timely hitting and miscues to secure the opener.

Wheaton struck first with a solo home run in the first inning and added two runs in both the fourth and fifth innings to build a cushion. Carroll's lone run came in the fifth when Grace O'Connor worked a bases-loaded walk, allowing Adeline Bretz to score on a wild pitch.

Makayla Wall went the distance in the circle for Carroll, striking out six while allowing five runs, three of which were earned.

Game 2 – Carroll 10, Wheaton 7
Carroll responded with a strong offensive showing in the nightcap, using timely hitting and depth throughout the lineup to secure the series split.

The Pioneers plated three runs in the second inning, highlighted by a two-run double from Abigail Curtis, before adding two more in the third to take an early lead. After Wheaton surged in the bottom of the third, Carroll regained control with consistent pressure at the plate, scoring in five different innings.

Madison Hoagland led the offense with three hits and three RBI, while Valerie Osthoff added a pair of hits and drove in three runs. Grace O'Connor finished 3-for-4 at the plate, and Carroll totaled 15 hits in the win.

In the circle, Madelyn Eckl earned the victory with 2.1 scoreless innings of relief, and Makayla Wall closed out the game to pick up the save.

Carroll continues conference play this Friday with a home doubleheader against Elmhurst starting at 3pm, looking to build on the momentum from the game two victory.