|  Game 1 Box Score (PDF) |  Game 2 Box Score (PDF)

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Despite leading in both games, the Wichita State softball team split two games on the first day of the series against Evansville, by scores of 2-1 and 5-4.

Jenni Brooks got the start for the Shockers in game one and threw six full innings, giving up four hits and just one run. Katie Malone entered the game with a runner on in the seventh inning and finished the game, receiving her third save of the season.

Offensively in the first game, the Shockers had five hits coming from Brittany Fortner, Liz Broyles, Paige Luellen, Macklin Hitz and Ashley Johnson and RBI coming from Fortner and Broyles.

To begin the game, both teams had two hits through four innings but both teams were unable to scratch a run across, keeping the score tied at zero heading into the fifth inning.

In the top of the fifth, Derrico got things started with a one out walk followed by singles from Johnson, Fortner and Broyles to score two runs and give the Shockers their first lead of the game, 2-0.

In the bottom of the fifth, Morgan Lambert of Evansville led off the inning with a double but it was quickly erased on a line drive to Kelli Spring who doubled off the runner at second base to keep the score at 2-0.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Purple Aces got the first two batters on base, but the next batter grounded into a double play to Mackenzie Wright. After a pop-out in foul territory, the Shockers ended the inning still holding Evansville scoreless.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, Evansville was able to get the leadoff hitter on with a walk and after Katie Malone entered the game, the next batter doubled to score one run. After the double, Malone was able to get the next three batters out to give Wichita State the 2-1 victory.

After finishing game one of the day, Malone got the start in game two, throwing 3.2 innings and giving up four runs on a grand slam. Kelsey Sterneker then entered the game and threw 2.1 innings, giving up one run and receiving the loss, making her record, 1-4 overall.

Offensively Wichita State was led by Luellen who had two hits, one of which being a two-run home run. Luellen also had two RBI and two runs scored.

The Shockers got off to a hot start, collecting five straight hits in the first inning to drive in two runs and give Wichita State an early lead, 2-0.

In the top of the fourth inning, Cassidy Kelsheimer led off the inning with a single and later scored on a two-run home run by Luellen, pushing the Shockers' lead to 4-0.

To begin the bottom of the fourth, the Aces got their first two hitters on base. After two straight outs and a walk, Morgan Lambert tied the game at four on a grand slam over the right field wall.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Aces were able to score one run on one hit and take game two of the series, 5-4.

Wichita State is now 21-15 overall and 7-4 in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Shockers will be in action again tomorrow for the third and final game of the series against Evansville, beginning at 12 p.m.