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Romeoville, Ill. - Heading into the final weeks of the regular-season, the No. 21 Lewis University softball team knows that each of its opponents will bring it's 'A' game when they take on the Flyers.

Southern Indiana proved to be a tough opponent for the Flyers, but Lewis was up to the task as they earned the 5-3, 4-0 Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader sweep of the Screaming Eagles at the Lewis Softball Field on 'Senior Day' on Sunday (Apr. 17) afternoon to push their winning streak to 12 games.

That streak is Lewis' longest since a 20-game undefeated stretch in 2007.

"We faced a really good team in Southern Indiana today," Lewis head softball coach George DiMatteo said. "They battled us tough, but we made the plays when we needed to in order to pull out the wins."

With the sweep, Lewis improves to 26-7 overall and 15-1 in GLVC action, while the visiting Screaming Eagles drop to 19-17 on the season and 8-10 in conference play. Lewis has now clinched a berth in the 2011 GLVC Softball Tournament.

While Sunday was 'Senior Day', it was a freshman that proved to be the difference in the opening game, as rookie left fielder Jessica Rourke (Lockport, Ill./Lockport) broke a 3-all tie in the bottom of the sxith with a two-run home run to left center to give the Flyers the 5-3 advantage. Rourke finished with three RBI in the opener.

Southern Indiana rallied in the top of the seventh inning, as the Screaming Eagles had runners on second and third with one out and the go-ahead run at the plate. Lewis starting pitcher Diana Pickrum (Oak Forest, Ill./Oak Forest), however, had different ideas as she retired the final two batters to secure the victory.

Pickrum (12-1) scattered three runs, two earned, and eight hits while striking out a pair of Screaming Eagles for the win.

In the nightcap, the long ball was the Flyers' best friend, as sophomore shortstop Michelle Vucsko (Chicago, Ill./Marist) and senior first baseman Stephanie Harmon (Joliet, Ill./Plainfield South) accounted for all four of Lewis' runs with home runs.

Vucsko launched a 3-run shot in the bottom of the first inning, while Harmon - Lewis' all-time leading home run hitter - added a solo blast in the bottom of the fifth.

Lewis junior pitcher Karissa Habel (Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove South) earned her fourth complete-game shutout victory of the season. Habel (9-2) allowed five hits and struck out three batters to claim the win.

Between games, Lewis honored Harmon, Jessica Jennings (Morris, Ill./Morris), Pickrum and Kayla Smith (Glendale Heights, Ill./Glenbard North) for 'Senior Day'. 

"I'm very proud to have those seniors on our team for the past four years," DiMatteo said. "They've all contributed in many different ways. They've conducted themselves with class, professionalism and truly are wonderful representatives of Lewis University. They've been fantastic teammates."

Lewis returns to action on Monday (Apr. 18), as the Flyers welcome Kentucky Wesleyan for a 10 a.m. (CST) GLVC Doubleheader at the Lewis Softball Field.

Lewis University is a Catholic university, offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 6,000 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessability and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares ethically grounded, globally aware and socially responsible graduates. The ninth largest not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by the Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.