MONTGOMERY, Ala. – University of Southern Indiana Softball wrapped up play at the Alabama State University Stinger Classic in Montgomery, Alabama, on Sunday afternoon, falling 5-3 against Murray State University and 10-2 in six innings against Alabama State to conclude the opening weekend schedule.
 
The Screaming Eagles (0-4) began the day with an early morning start against Murray State (2-2). The Racers jumped out early with a 3-0 lead through two innings.
 
USI cut into the deficit with a pair of runs in the top of the third inning, as senior outfielder Caroline Stapleton recorded an RBI single and junior infielder Sydney Long had a sac fly to make it a 3-2 ballgame.
 
After Murray State tacked on a run for a 4-2 advantage through the fifth inning, USI answered on a solo home run from junior outfielder Kate Satkoski, USI's first home run of the season, to pull back within one.
 
However, the Racers regained a two-run lead in the bottom of the sixth inning and closed out the game from there, despite USI bringing the potential game-winning run to the plate in the top of the seventh.
 
USI totaled seven hits, as Satkoski had two hits and two runs scored. Sophomore first baseman Grace Huffman also notched two hits in the game. In the pitching circle, freshman hurler Anna Kemp (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing five runs – three earned – in a full six innings and striking out eight batters.
 
For the Racers, sophomore pitcher Karlye Graber (1-0) picked up the win in relief, allowing one run in 3.2 innings of work. Sophomore pitcher Emily Siurek took a no-decision in the start, going 3.1 innings and giving up two runs – one earned.
 
In the second game of the day and final contest of the weekend, another slow start plagued the Screaming Eagles. Alabama State got off to a fast start with a 7-0 lead through three innings.
 
USI tried to fight back in the sixth inning, as Satkoski and Huffman delivered at the plate again. Huffman came through with an RBI double, while Satkoski got an RBI knock to bring USI within five, 7-2. However, the Hornets got out of the inning and scored three times in the bottom of the sixth to end the game.
 
The Eagles scattered five hits among five players at the plate. Inside the circle, freshman pitcher Elly Robbins (0-2) took the loss after allowing seven runs in 2.1 innings pitched. Sophomore pitcher Kylie Witthaus went 2.2 innings in relief and surrendered three runs.
 
Alabama State's freshman pitcher Amanda Cintron (1-0) got the win and went the distance with two runs allowed.
 
USI Softball returns to action next weekend at the University of Memphis 901 Classic in Memphis, Tennessee. The Screaming Eagles will play five games during the weekend, starting Friday at 9 a.m. against the University of Missouri-Kansas City.