Box Score 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The IUPUI softball team banged out three homers in a four-run third inning but was unable to muster much other offense in a 12-4 defeat at UMKC in the first of a three-game series on Thursday night. The same two teams will cap the series with a doubleheader on Friday, beginning at 2:00 p.m. EST.

After falling down 8-0 in the bottom of the second inning, the Jaguars offense broke out the big sticks to begin chipping away in the third. Sophomore Leah Prewitt pounded her second homer of the season with one out, making it 8-1. After freshman Sydney Miller drew a walk, senior Alicia Hayes followed with a two-run jack to cut the lead to 8-3. 

Senior Laura Wilcox followed with a drive to left, ending UMKC starter Deanna Friese's (4-9) day. The Jaguars proceeded to load the bases against UMKC (7-16, 2-2 Summit) reliever Taya Upkes when Breanna Shannon and Kelsey Rupert sandwiched singles around a Joy Perry walk. However, Upkes got senior Mia Ettl to fly out to end the threat. 

Aside from the third, IUPUI (3-13, 0-4 Summit) was only able to get two hits off the 'Roos pitching duo as UMKC outhit the guests 12-7. 

Betsy Hanley went 3-for-4 for the 'Roos and Emily Ott and Taylor Hill drove in three runs each. 

Freshman Nicole Natter (0-5) got the loss for the Jaguars, yielding eight runs (seven earned) in 1.1 innings work. Fellow freshman Jocelyn Oppenhuis struck out four in 3.1 innings out of the bullpen.

Friese struck out four and walked five before leaving the game in the third.