EVANSVILLE, Ind.---In one of their most impressive showings of the season, the University of Southern Indiana softball team fought valiantly for a doubleheader split with previously unbeaten University of Indianapolis on Awareness Day at USI Softball Field. No. 1 Indianapolis escaped with a 2-1 victory over the Screaming Eagles in the first contest before USI topped the Greyhounds 12-3 in five innings in game two.
 
USI moves to 24-12 overall and 12-4 in the GLVC, while Indianapolis shifts to 32-1 overall and 15-1 in the conference.

In game one, the first five innings passed by quickly in what was a pitcher's duel between Eagles' freshman Haylee Smith and Indianapolis ace Morgan Foley.
 
Indianapolis struck first in the top of the sixth with a run on a double to left center to take a 1-0 lead.
 
USI answered in the bottom half with an RBI single by junior Grace Clark that brought in sophomore Shelby Tate who was pinch running.
 
The Greyhounds took the lead once again in the top of the seventh with a run scored via an error. USI was able to get out of a bases loaded jam after the run scored to limit the damage.
 
The Eagles loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh with two outs, but USI was unable to push across a run to prolong the contest.

Leading USI was sophomore Marleah Fossett, who went one-for-three with a walk. Also adding a hit for the Eagles were Lexi Reese, Grace Clark, Claire Johnson, and Olivia Clark-Kittleson.
 
In the circle, Haylee Smith pitched a complete game, allowing six hits, one earned run, and striking out one in the loss.

In the second game, USI fell behind early again, but worked themselves back.
 
The Greyhounds scored twice in the top of the third on a pair of solo home runs by Katie Kelly and Jessie Noone.
 
Trailing 2-0, USI unloaded for nine runs in the bottom of the third. Grace Clark started the scoring with an RBI single through the right side that scored Fossett. Then, Sophomore Mena Fulton recorded a bases clearing triple that scored three to push USI in front 4-2.
 
Olivia Clark-Kittleson tallied another triple for the Eagles to drive in Fulton. Caitlyn Bradley then singled down the right field line to score Clark-Kittleson to increase the USI lead to 6-2.
 
Marleah Fossett stepped to the plate for the second time in the inning and recorded an RBI single. Hodges followed with an RBI single before Grace Clark was walked, scoring a run and recording an RBI in the Eagles' nine run inning.
 
The Eagles added to their advantage with three runs in the fourth coming on a sacrifice fly by Janna Green, an RBI double by Fossett, and a single by Haley Hodges that scored Fossett.
 
Trailing 12-2, Indianapolis received a solo home run from Tayler Weck in the pursuit to keep the Greyhounds alive, but USI slammed the door with a game-ending double play in the 12-3 triumph.
The Eagles were led by Hodges, who finished the second game four-for-four with an RBI. Marleah Fossett helped power USI to the victory with a two-for-four, three run, two RBI performance. Mena Fulton went two-for-two with three RBIs and a run scored, including a triple in the third inning that helped break the game open.
 
Senior Sarah Owens earned the victory in the circle, going a full five innings, allowing three runs on four hits and striking out seven. The win is Owens' tenth in the circle on the season.

USI returns to USI Softball Field on Sunday when the Eagles host Saint Joseph's College for a doubleheader at noon and 2 p.m., as USI will "Play for Kate". The Eagles will honor Kate Bruggenschmidt, a young lady in the softball community, who was tragically killed in an ATV accident. Kate's family will be in attendance for the doubleheader and her younger sister, Emma, will throw out the first pitch and be an honorary bat girl. USI players and coaches also will be wearing ribbons and bright green bracelets.