Aurora University softball wrapped up their spring trip with two tough games on the final day. The Spartans struggled offensively, facing strong competition in both match-ups. Despite battling hard, they fell short, losing 5-1 to Heidelberg University in game one and 6-1 to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in game two. The Spartans concluded their 2025 spring trip with a 5-3 record.
Game One Score: Heidelberg University 5, Aurora University 1
Game Two Score: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 6, Aurora University 1
Record: Aurora University (5-3)
Location: Winter Haven, Florida
Game One vs. Heidelberg University
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Aubrey Ortiz got things started for Aurora with a lead-off bunt single in the third, advancing to second on a Heidelberg fielding error. With the bases loaded and two outs,
Mia Rivera reached on a fielder's choice, allowing
Carly Clemens to cross the plate for Aurora's lone run.
- Heidelberg responded in the bottom of the second, loading the bases on an error, a single, and a sacrifice bunt. Heidelberg capitalized with an RBI single, followed by a two-run double to take a 4-0 lead.
- Aurora looked to cut into the deficit in the fourth when Clemens and Kateyln Serafin recorded back-to-back singles, but Heidelberg worked out of the jam with a strikeout and a groundout.
- In the seventh, the Spartans put pressure on Heidelberg's defense as Ortiz reached on another error and
Faith Biggs drew a walk. A passed ball moved both runners into scoring position, but Heidelberg's induced a fly-out and the Spartans fell 5-1.
Game One vs. Heidelberg University
HITTING
HITS: Nina Richards,
Carly Clemens,
Mia Rivera,
Katelyn Serafin (1)
RUNS: Carly Clemens (1)
RUNS BATTED IN: Mia Rivera (1)
PITCHING:
APPEARANCES (innings): Madelyn Buske (6.0)
DECISIONS: Madelyn Buske (L)
STRIKEOUTS: Madelyn Buske (2)
Game Two vs. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Rensselaer struck first in the second inning, capitalizing on an Aurora defensive miscue before a RBI single led to a 1-0. The Engineers added two more in the third and one in the fourth to lead 4-0.
- Aurora had opportunities to score early, but stranded runners in key moments. The Spartans broke through in the sixth when
Faith Biggs led off with a single, stole second, and later scored on a throwing error following
Nina Richards single.
- Despite a few hard-hit balls, Aurora couldn't string together enough hits to mount a serious scoring threat. Rensselaer responded with two more runs in the seventh and the Spartans fell 6-1.
Game Two vs. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
HITTING
HITS: Faith Biggs (2)
Nina Richards,
Kelsey Oviatt, and
Angie Delgado (1)
PITCHING:
APPEARANCES (innings): Rylee Campbell (4.0)
Katelyn Serafin (3.0)
DECISIONS: Rylee Campbell (L)
STRIKEOUTS: Katelyn Serafin (1)
Next action for the Spartan softball team comes on Saturday, March 15 when they host Alma College. Game one of the doubleheader is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at Spartan Athletic Park in Montgomery, Illinois.