Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 Closing out another busy weekend the John Carroll University softball team looked to pick up its second sweep over the weekend.
 
Taking a break from conference play, John Carroll squared off against DePauw at Bracken Field on Sunday afternoon in University Hts., Ohio.
 
With neither team generating much offense, the pitching and defense played their parts in both games. The two teams split with John Carroll taking the 2-1 win in game one and DePauw chalking out a 1-0 win in the second game.
 
Game One
Hits were at a premium as Rachael Byrnes held DePauw without a hit for the first four innings. John Carroll would finish with a narrow 4-3 edge on hits and would take the 2-1 victory in the first game.
 
Looking to capitalize on the Tigers' mistakes the Blue Streaks were able to push two runs across in the bottom of the second inning. Colleen Brady reached via a fielder's choice and advanced to second on a DePauw throwing error giving JCU two runners on with one out.
 
Rebecca Reid drove in the Blue and Gold's first run with a 1-out single. John Carroll would pick up its second run of the inning when Lia Locey came in on a throwing error by the DePauw catcher.
 
The Blue Streaks tried to score Reid when Ashlee Unrue purposely was caught in a rundown. However, the Tiger defense held firm and were able to tag out both Reid and Unrue on the play.
 
DePauw jumped on the board with a solo home run by Sammi Bell in the top of the fifth inning which was also the Tigers' first batter to reach base in the game.
 
The Blue Streaks ran into a jam in the top of the sixth but Reid tracked down a fly ball for the final out of the inning with the bases loaded.
 
Byrnes improved to 12-6 on the year with the win.
 
Game 2
In another pitcher's duel it was DePauws turn finish on the top end of the 4-3 hit advantage. The Tigers clawed out a run in the third inning which would be the only run needed in the 1-0 win.
 
John Carroll was poised to take the early lead in the bottom of the second inning but DePauw bailed itself out with more defense. Alyssa Colemand and Brady drew back-to-back walks to start the inning but the Tigers benefitted from Locey lasering a sharp liner right at Jennifer Ridge who was able to turn the easy double play.
 
DePauw scored its run in the third inning. Lauren Krumwiede led off the frame slicing a single up the middle. After stealing second the senior came in to score on a late throw from the outfield after Taylor Golden's single.
 
The Blue Streaks looked to tie the score up in the fourth inning but Morgan Robinson was caught stealing with one out at third base.
 
JCU had another prime offensive opportunity in the sixth inning but was unable to pull the trigger. Robinson extended the inning when Tiger pitcher Kahla Nolan could not handle a grounder putting runners on the corners. After fouling off three pitches Simecek could not catch up to a 3-2 riser from Nolan.
 
With its final offensive opportunity in the bottom of the seventh, Angie Zappitelli gave the Blue Streaks hope with a leadoff single. Lia Locey sent a liner over the head of the DePauw second baseman, but pinch-runner Nicole Fluharty did not get a jump on the ball and the Tigers were able to get the unconventional 9-6 putout for the second time of the afternoon.
 
Gina Tosti fell to 1-3 on the year. The sophomore struck out four over four innings while only allowing one run on three hits.
 
John Carroll's record stands at 14-12 after the split while DePauw is 18-14.
 
John Carroll remains home to take on Heidelberg on Tuesday, April 15, weather permitting. First pitch is set for 3 p.m