River Forest, Ill. – After enjoying a day off yesterday, the Concordia University Chicago Cougar Softball team took to the field once again today as they continue their race for the postseason. The Cougars would take on the second place Benedictine University Eagles. Benedictine had the bats going early, and the Cougars could not get a comeback going despite getting runners on. The Cougars fell in game one by a final score of 10-3 and game two 13-3.
 
In game one, the Eagles were able to score three runs in each of the first three innings on nine total hits. The Cougars pulled back within 6-3 in the second inning. With one out, Kristen Landon singled to left. One out later, Sydney Sterrett singled to left to put two on for Melissa Balkema. The junior launched her eighth homerun of the season just over the center field wall.
 
Unfortunately for CUC, the Eagles were able to add on the three runs in the third to push their lead to 9-3. They added on a tenth run in the fifth inning on a double to left.
 
Stefanie D'Anna and Landon led the offense with two hits each. Balkema led the team with three RBI's.
 
In game two, Benedictine grabbed a 2-0 lead through the first two and a half innings, but the Cougars were up to the challenge of battling back. In the third, back-to-back singles by D'Anna and Balkema go the Cougars started. An error on a sac bunt by Marita Van Dyke allowed Balkema to race home and put two in scoring position. A Sydney Getz sac fly plated a second run in the inning and a throwing error with two outs allowed Van Dyke to score.
 
Unfortunately for CUC, the lead did not last long. The Eagles added five runs on five hits in the fourth and six runs on four hits and an error in the fifth to take a 13-3 lead that eventually turned into the game two final score.
 
The Cougars (18-11; 9-5 NACC) will return to play tomorrow afternoon when they will host the Lakeland University Muskies in another NACC doubleheader. First pitch is set for 3:00pm from River Forest.