LAWRENCE, KS ? The Indiana State softball team split their final two games of the Jayhawk Classic this Sunday defeating Western Illinois (0-12) 2-1 and losing to host Kansas University (18-5) 4-3.

In game two versus Western Illinois, the Bulldogs' had the bases loaded with one out in the first inning.  Senior pitcher Darcy Wood struck out the next two batters she faced to keep the score 0-0.

The Sycamores would take the 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.  Leslie Fakes was hit by a pitch and a pair of singles by Britt Boyer and Katie Armour drove Fakes home and put the Sycamores up by one. 

In the top of the third, Western Illinois would net the score at one a piece when a Bulldog runner bunted, stole second and third, and scored on a teammates' single down the left field line. 

The Sycamores answered back in the bottom of the third inning.  Katie Armour singled up the middle and crossed home plate for the final run of the game on a triple by Audrey Childress.  Wood recorded the win as she pitched all seven innings, striking out 11.

In game three, the Sycamores squared off once again with the Kansas Jayhawks hoping for a better result this time.  Unfortunately, the Sycamores went down 4-3.  The Jayhawks were up 4-0 in the fifth inning before the Sycamores came within one.  Katie Iocoangeli doubled to right center and advanced to third off a single from Sam Markowski.  Brittaney Searing came in to pinch hit and singled down the left field line to score Iocoangeli.  Christina Meyers hit a 2-RBI single through the right side to finish off the scoring.  The Sycamores record stands at 5-8 overall (1-2 Jayhawk Classic).

Beginning Monday, Indiana State will travel to play seven games in five days before returning to Terre Haute on March 19 for their doubleheader home-opener against Butler University.  The Sycamores will open conference play on Friday, March 14 at Missouri State.