TUCSON, Ariz. – Most would agree that getting out of the cold is a good thing, but for the Edgewood College softball team that just might not be the case. The Eagles lost their final two games of the Tucson Invitational to Southwestern University and Concordia University Texas by scores of 4-2 and 9-1, respectively.

Just one day after losing a close 7-6 contest against Southwestern, the Eagles faced the Pirates again. Southwestern (15-7) scored an unearned run in the first inning to pull ahead in the first inning, but Edgewood College rebounded right back as Alyssas Schulting singled home Diesch who led off the inning with a single and a stolen base. Senior Charlie Leikness blew through the order in the second inning before the Pirates scored a two-out run after a leadoff walk.

The Eagles had back-to-back innings with a hit, but could not piece anything together to push any runs across the plate. Leikness and Rachel DeJongh combined to walk the first three batters of the fifth inning and after a strikeout, a groundout to second base brought in a run to give Southwestern a 4-1 lead. Just like they had been doing all week, the Eagles began a strong comeback in the sixth inning. Diesch reached after being hit by a pitch and consecutive singles by Katie Landon and Shulting loaded the bags. Tiffani Pierce then singled up the middle to bring in a run, but one out was recorded on the next play as Dylan Barhke reached on a fielder's choice. Lindsey Elsing was next up and ripped a liner to the third baseman, but she made a great grab and was there to step on the bag, ending the rally.

In the seventh, the Eagles again had a chance but another lineout double play diminished Edgewood College's chances as they fell 4-2.

Freshman Karlie Klossner stepped into the circle for game two and pitched a solid three innings before Concordia Texas (9-6) connected some hits to chase her. Down 1-0, the Eagles got the leadoff batter out, but the next five batters reached which brought in DeJongh to pitch. The Tornados then connected for three more hits to total six for the inning which brought in six runs and put Edgewood College (2-14) in a 7-0 hole.

In the fifth, Carlene DeCoster ripped a double and was singled home by senior Jessica Spitzer, but that was the only run Edgewood College could plate.

In the Concordia half of the fifth, a double brought in a run and after a passed ball, the Tornados' Madie Rice hit a sacrifice fly to right field which ended the game 9-1.

DeCoster led the charge on Thursday as she pounded out a 3-for-3 performance against Concordia Texas. Spitzer also had three hits on the day while Pierce, Shulting, and Jackie Diesch all had a pair of base knocks.

Edgewood College has finished their non-conference schedule and will return home to host Lakeland College in a double header on March 30. First pitch is scheduled for noon. Live video and live stats will be available with links on EdgewoodCollegeEagles.com.