Box Score 1 | Box Score 2  / GM 1 Box Score (PDF) / GM 2 Box Score (PDF)

Rosemont, Ill. - The first day of Spring was not kind to the Lewis University softball team, as the Flyers dropped a 2-0, 9-5 non-conference doubleheader to Upper Iowa at The Dome At The Ballpark in Rosemont, Ill., on Wednesday (March 20) afternoon.

The third inning in each contest proved to be the downfall for the Flyers, as Upper Iowa scored seven of their 11 runs on the afternoon in that frame. UIU's Rachael Anello roped a two-out, two-run single for the Peacocks for the lone RBI of the game in the opener, while Peacocks plated five tallies in the nightcap.

With the sweep, the Peacocks improve to 13-7, while the host Flyers are now 5-5.

In the opener, Lewis seniors Jayme Hefler (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West) and Lauren Hanford (Morris, Ill./Morris) each went 2-for-3 to lead the Flyers offensively. Flyer sophomore pitcher Ali Brems (Kenosha, Wis./Harborside) (2-2) took the complete-game loss, as she allowed two runs and seven hits, while fanning seven batters. Peacock pitcher Brooke Redmond (7-2) earned the complete-game shutout, allowing seven hits and striking out two batters.

Hanford provided a two-run double in Game Two, but that was about all the offense that the Flyers could muster. Lewis senior shortstop Michelle Vucsko (Chicago, Ill./Marist) went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, while freshman catcher Brittany Russell (Oswego, Ill./Oswego East) had two hits and scored a run for the Flyers.

Lewis sophomore pitcher Kelly Bowler (Lockport, Ill./Lockport) was tagged with the loss. Bowler (3-3) surrendered seven runs, five earned, and nine hits in five innings of work. Her counterpart Jaqueline Flood (4-1) went the distance, scattering five runs and 10 hits, while striking out five batters.

"I thought game one was excellent played between two teams that are evenly matched," Lewis head softball coach George DiMatteo said. "We hit the ball hard and played good defense. They got the big hit when they needed to, and we didn't.

"Game two was obviously a disaster," DiMatteo continued. "We made a lot of mental and physical mistakes out there."

Lewis returns to action on Saturday (March 23), as the Flyers head to Owensboro, Ky., for a Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader against Kentucky Wesleyan. First pitch is slated for 12 PM.