INDIANAPOLIS - IUPUI softball's senior day game resulted in a series sweep of Green Bay as the Jaguars defeated the Phoenix in the third and final meeting, 5-2. Sophomore pitcher
Alexa Holman followed her complete game win on Friday with another on Saturday afternoon, allowing just six hits in 7.0 innings of work.
Senior day festivities opened the event as 10 of IUPUI's 21-player roster were recognized and presented gifts – a bouquet and framed IUPUI softball jersey. Each senior player's number was painted in the outfield to honor their dedication to the Jaguars. Eight of the 10 players recognized have been involved with IUPUI Softball for their entire college careers, three even staying for a fifth year with the Jags.
The first two innings were scoreless, but Green Bay's Samantha Saloun opened the scoring as she doubled down the left field line, scoring Bella Herman in the top of the third inning, 1-0. IUPUI responded in the bottom of the third by scoring four runs on five hits.
Kayla Freiberg's single scored
Morgan Gilbert to tie the game, and
Kennedy Cowan took advantage of Green Bay's attention on Freiberg's attempt to steal second by stealing home, giving IUPUI a one-run advantage.
Kasie Keyes singled to right field to score
Rachael Gregory and
Paige McPhearson took home on an error before the Phoenix could earn a third out. IUPUI closed the third inning in control, 4-1.
The scoring resumed in the bottom of the sixth inning after McPhearson singled up the middle, then advanced to second on Keyes' bunt. McPhearson took third when Phoenix pitcher Martha Miller walked
Victoria Sivert. Gilbert's sacrifice fly allowed McPhearson to score, earning IUPUI's fifth run of the afternoon.
The Phoenix, finding themselves in a four-run hole, attempted to rally in the top of the seventh. Green Bay's Gianna Sanchez created some Phoenix momentum with a leadoff double, and the pinch-running Anna Trimble stole third. IUPUI allowed Green Bay's final run to be scored on a wild pitch – the only wild pitch of the contest.
Holman ended the afternoon in style as she struck out Green Bay's Kendal Herschbach for the game-ending out.
IUPUI outhit Green Bay 10-6, with five of those hits produced by seniors in their final game at the IUPUI Softball Complex. They'll travel to Ohio next to complete their season with a series against Youngstown State on May 3 and 4.
