DUBUQUE, Iowa (March 29, 2007) – Edgewood College split a non-conference softball doubleheader Thursday at Clarke College. The Eagles (8-6) dropped game one by a final of 5-1, but rallied over the Crusaders (6-8) in the nightcap, 7-6.

The Eagles had just two hits going into the top of the fourth inning of game one. Jessica Stephens (St. Charles, Ill.), who went 2-for-3, slap bunted for a single to lead off the frame followed by a single by Leslie Bell (Monona, Wis.). A sac bunt from Jennifer Stephens (St. Charles, Ill.) moved the runners into scoring position and Jamie Kurt (Dane, Wis.) picked up the RBI with a sacrifice fly to centerfield.

Senior pitcher Kristin Borre (Beloit, Wis.) was credited with the loss to even her season record at 4-4. In six complete innings, Borre allowed eight hits and three earned runs while striking out three.

Edgewood College responded early in game two and finished the contest showing even greater resolve. With two outs in the top of the second inning, the Eagles strung together three consecutive hits highlighted by a two RBI single by Bell to take a 2-1 lead. Bell finished the day 4-for-7 at the plate.

Clarke College bounced back by scoring twice in the bottom of the fifth inning to regain the advantage, 3-2. Edgewood College answered in the top of the six. Again with two outs, Carrie Flaherty (Arvada, Colo.) belted a bases-loaded double into right centerfield to put the Eagles back ahead 5-3.

The Crusaders used a pair of Edgewood College errors to plate three unearned runs in the bottom of the sixth, but the Eagles would be the benefactor of sloppy defense in the top of the seventh as they would once again make their run at a comeback.

Joyce led off the inning with a triple and pinch runner Stephanie Meehan (Janesville, Wis.) later scored on fielder’s choice. The error bug would come back to haunt, this time the Crusaders, as Jessica Stephens scored the winning run from second base on a miscue by the Clarke College second baseman.

Edgewood College starting pitcher Jenna Ryan (Waunakee, Wis.) got out of a bases-loaded jam in the bottom half of the inning to preserve the complete game victory. Ryan allowed just two earned runs on seven hits.