INDIANAPOLIS – The IUPUI softball team returned to Indy to host Purdue Fort Wayne on Friday, falling 3-1 in the opening game of the series. Freshman Kinsey Pfeiffer knocked in the sole run for the Jaguars.
 
The Mastodons took the lead in the top of the second inning after Epiphany Hang scored on a passed ball, 1-0. IUPUI wasted no time, tying the game at 1-1 in the bottom half of the second inning. With two outs, Kasie Keyes doubled to center field then Pfeiffer singled down the left field line to score Keyes.
 
After five scoreless innings, PFW retook the lead in the top of the sixth frame with one run on two hits. Taryn Jenkins scored the go ahead run off an RBI from Grace Hollopeter. The Mastodons scored added to their lead in the seventh inning when Brayden Lickey scored on a wild pitch.
 
Keyes led the Jaguar offense, going 3-for-3 at the plate with a double and a run. Pfeiffer went 2-for-3 with an RBI while Kennedy Cowan also recorded a hit for the Jags. Madison Bryant took the loss in the circle for IUPUI giving up three runs (two earned) on five hits in seven innings of work. Bryant also fanned 11 batters in the loss.
 
IUPUI is now 9-19 overall and 5-3 in conference. They continue the three-game series tomorrow, Saturday, April 8 with a doubleheader starting at 1:00 PM.