DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Loras college softball team split it's doubleheader against crosstown rival University of Dubuque on Friday night. The Spartans took game one 6-5, before Loras prevailed in a low scoring game two, 2-1.
 
Game One: Loras 5, University of Dubuque 6
 
After a scoreless first inning, Katherine Svigelj got the second inning started by lining a base hit before stealing second and then advancing to third on a Spartan error. With two outs in the inning, Payton Meier delivered a bases clearing double to give the Duhawks a 2-0 lead. 
 
Loras would record a run in three straight innings, scoring in the fourth, fifth, and sixth, while Dubuque was able to get a run back in the fourth. 
 
In the fourth inning, Loras scored thanks to a SAC fly off the bat of Ava Franklin that platted Svigelj. In the fifth, Clare Murphy executed a perfect SAC bunt that brought Morgan Machovec home from third. The Purple and Gold got their final run of the game when Franklin recorded another RBI, this time with an RBI single that brought Olivia Martinelli across home plate.
 
Dubuque would respond in a big way in the bottom half of the sixth. The Spartans would plate five runs in the inning, giving them a one run lead going into the bottom off the seventh. Loras was unable to push a run across in the inning and the Spartans took game one, 6-5.
 
Game Two: Loras 2, University of Dubuque 1
 
In game two, both teams were able to score a run in the third inning before Loras added a go ahead run in the fourth that ultimately was the difference.
 
In the third, Meier led off the inning by lining a double to left field before advancing to third on a SAC bunt. It was then Alyssa Hughes who delivered the game's first run with a SAC fly to give Loras an early 1-0 lead. In the bottom half of the inning, Dubuque got an RBI single from Audrey Morris to even the score at one.
 
In the fourth inning, Franklin continued her successful day at the plate with an RBI base hit to give Loras a 2-1 lead. The Duhawks would ultimately hang onto their lead and take game two, 2-1.
 
Shandi Rulli got the win in the circle for the Duhawks. Rulli struck out five Spartans while allowing six hits and one run. Svigelj recorded her second save of the year after a scoreless seventh inning.
 
Up Next: The Duhawks will face off against Central College on Monday, May 6 for their regular season finale. First pitch from Pella, Iowa is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.