Thunderbirds Fall in Series Opening Doubleheader in Macomb

MACOMB, Ill. - March 23 - Southern Utah University softball was swept in a pair of run-rule games at Western Illinois University on Friday, falling to the Leathernecks 8-0 in both game one and game two. The losses drop the T-Birds to 15-13 on the year and 5-3 in Summit League play.

The Thunderbird offense only mustered one hit in game one and were given six errors in the field as the Leathernecks scored runs in the first, fourth and sixth innings en route to the 8-0 victory.

Southern Utah created its first scoring threat of the afternoon with runners on second and third and only one out in the top of the second in game two after Western Illinois opened the scoring in the first inning, taking the 1-0. However, the Leathernecks turned a double play to get out of the frame and keep the lead.

WIU built on its advantage with five runs in the second and two runs in the third, making the game 8-0 before Southern Utah looked like it would extend the game in the top of the fifth. Three consecutive one-out singles by Ariel Morbeck, Mallory Wilkinson and Tessa Loewen loaded the bases, but a ground ball and fly out ended the Thunderbirds' chances and the game, 8-0.

Southern Utah's Heather Black was given the loss in each game, throwing all of game one, but only 1.1 innings of game two.

The two teams will wrap up the series tomorrow with a single game scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Fans can follow the game via a live stat link that is anticipated to be available online at www.suutbirds.com.

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Players Mentioned

#7 Heather Black: P; 5' 10"; Senior

#14 Tessa Loewen: INF; 5' 3"; Freshman

#11 Ariel Morbeck: UT; 5' 7"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#7 Heather Black
: 5' 10"; Senior
: P

#14 Tessa Loewen
: 5' 3"; Freshman
: INF

#11 Ariel Morbeck
: 5' 7"; Junior
: UT

Players Mentioned

#7 Heather Black

#14 Tessa Loewen

#11 Ariel Morbeck

Players Mentioned

#7 Heather Black

#14 Tessa Loewen

#11 Ariel Morbeck