Lancers Explode for 11-Run Fifth Inning to Defeat Prairie State, 17-9

The Lancers used a massive 11-run fifth inning to power past Prairie State College, 17-9, on Friday. Megan Livingston led the offensive surge, going a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with a home run, double, and single, while driving in three runs.

Prairie State jumped ahead early, scoring one in the first on a dropped third strike. The Lancers quickly tied it in the bottom half on an error. Prairie State regained the lead in the second with three runs on a single, a hit-by-pitch, and a walk.

Livingston launched a two-run homer to center in the bottom of the second as part of a four-run rally that gave the Lancers a brief 5-4 lead. However, Prairie State answered in the third when Lindsey Pickering delivered a three-run triple to regain a 7-5 advantage.

The Lancers chipped away with a solo home run from Olivia Avalos in the third, then broke the game wide open with their explosive fifth inning. The offensive onslaught featured key hits from Skye Meler (2 RBIs), Shayanne St Louis, Gretchen Hansen (2 RBIs), Livingston, Tyler Brock (2 RBIs), and Kendra Nehring.

Grace Kitterman earned the win in relief, tossing a scoreless inning. Nadia McCabe and Taylor Kruser also saw time in the circle for the Lancers.

In total, the Lancers racked up 15 hits. Livingston and Hansen each drove in three runs, while multiple-hit efforts came from Meler, St Louis, Avalos, and Maya Hataway. The Lancers were also aggressive on the basepaths, swiping eight bases, including two each from Hataway and Livingston.

Pickering and Faith Lewin each had two hits for Prairie State, with Pickering driving in a team-high three runs. The Pioneers showed plate discipline, drawing six walks in the game.

Lancers return to action Saturday Morning in a must win game to keep season alive. The Lancers will have to win 3 on the day in order to move on!