KWC Box Score (PDF) / KWC Box Score (HTML)
Findlay Box Score (PDF) / Findlay Box Score (HTML)

Rosemont, Ill. - Lewis University head softball coach Becky Pearl experienced both highs and lows in her debut on Friday (Feb. 20), as the Flyers opened with a 7-5 regional victory over Kentucky Wesleyan, but succumbed to a 3-2 come-from-behind victory for Findlay in the nightcap in the opening day of the DII Midwest Region Dome Invitational at The Dome At The Ballpark.

Game One
Lewis 7, Kentucky Wesleyan 5
WP - Kelly Bowler (Lockport, Ill./Lockport) (1-0) / LP - Josalyn Ress
   All nine starters recorded base hits and six different players notched a RBI for Lewis in the season-opening victory over the Panthers.
   Freshman outfielder Jenna Cairo (Chicago, Ill./Fenwick) led the charge for the Flyers, as she went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, including a RBI. The Flyers also received two-hit efforts from both senior outfielder Justina Doll (Mundelein, Ill./Mundelein) and sophomore second baseman Carolyn Nojiri (Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove North). Doll scored twice, while Nojiri crossed the plate once and added a RBI.
   Lewis senior pitcher Kelly Bowler (Lockport, Ill./Lockport) picked up the complete-game win for the Flyers., Bowler (1-0) scattered eight hits and allowed five runs, four earned, while striking out seven batters and walking six. Her counterpart Josalyn Ress surrendered seven runs, four earned, and 10 hits in four innings pitched to take the loss.
   "We definitely tried to get the jitters out early," Pearl said. "We pushed through our slow start, but I think we need to work on our focus and I like how we didn't give up with our bats."

Game Two
Findlay 3, Lewis 2
WP - Chelsea McManaway / LP - Lainie Schweickert (Peru, Ill./St. Bede Academy) (0-1)
   Findlay rallied from a 2-0 deficit with three unanswered runs in the sixth and seventh innings to claim the 3-2 regional victory over Lewis.
   The Oilers began their rally in the sixth, when left fielder Megan Turner grounded into what seemed to be an inning ending groundout with the Flyers ahead, 2-0. Lewis first baseman Kelsey Ullrich (Winfield, Ill./Wheaton North), however, was unable to field the ball, keeping the inning alive for the Oilers.
   Findlay first baseman Lauren Trumpler plated Turner all the way from first base with a RBI single to cut Lewis' lead to 2-1. Lewis starting pitcher Lainie Schweickert (Peru, Ill./St. Bede Academy) issued a single to designated player Emily Stewart, putting runners at first and second for third baseman Kelsey Borders. Borders evened the score at 2-apiece with a RBI single to right field.
   Schweickert (0-1) took the loss for the Flyers, allowing three runs - one earned - and six hits in six innings pitched while striking out six batters. Findlay pitcher Chelsea McManaway picked up the victory, with three innings of scoreless relief
   Lewis senior third baseman Bianca Garcia (Elmwood Park, Ill./Elmwood Park) topped the Flyers offensively, going 2-for-3, including a double, with a RBI.
   Garcia was one of the few highlights for the Flyers offensively, as Lewis left eight runners on base, including five stranded in scoring position.
   "We need to be able to maintain our focus for seven innings," Pearl said. "We left eight runners on base tonight and we'll have to come back tomorrow and try to push those runners across."

Lewis returns to action on Saturday (Feb. 21) morning, as the Flyers open against Saginaw Valley State at 9 AM and follow with a 1:30 PM showdown against #15 Wayne State.