Aurora University Athletics

The Aurora University softball saw its 2026 NACC Tournament run come to an end on Thursday afternoon, falling to Lakeland University 8-4 at Bedrosian Stadium. The Spartans battled back to erase an early deficit and tie the game midway through, but Lakeland used timely hitting late to pull away in the tournament opener.

Game One Score: Lakeland University 8, Aurora University 4
Record: Aurora University 26-15 overall 
Location: Bedrosian Stadium - Montgomery, Illinois


- Lakeland opened the scoring in the top of the first inning to take an early 1-0 lead.
- The Spartans answered immediately in the bottom of the first with RBI singles from Stephani Debise and Lily Komperda to grab a 2-1 advantage after one inning.
- Lakeland responded with a three-run second inning to regain the lead at 4-2.
- Aurora tied the game in the third inning after Komperda doubled into center field and Kelsey Oviatt followed with a two-run single through the right side to make it 4-4.
- Lakeland reclaimed control in the fourth inning with a two-out, two-run single to move back in front 6-4.
- Emma Way entered in relief during the fourth inning and tossed 3.1 innings, allowing just one earned run while recording two strikeouts.
- Lakeland added insurance runs in the sixth and seventh innings to extend the lead.
- Komperda led the Spartans offensively with a 3-for-3 performance that included two doubles, one RBI, and one run scored.
- Oviatt finished with two RBIs, while Debise added an RBI and scored a run in the loss. Angie Delgado, Aubrey Ortiz, Mia Rivera, and Mia Malczyk each collected hits for Aurora.
- Aurora recorded nine hits in the contest, including multiple extra-base hits, and battled back to even the score midway through the game before Lakeland pulled away late.


HITTING
HITS: Lily Komperda (3)
DOUBLES:  Lily Komperda (1)
RUNS: L Angie Delgado, Aubrey Ortiz, Lily Komperda, and Stephani Debise (1)
RUNS BATTED IN: Kelsey Oviatt (2)

PITCHING:
APPEARANCES (innings): Mia Rivera (3.2) and Emma Way (3.1) 
DECISIONS: Mia Rivera (L, 13-6)
STRIKEOUTS: Mia Rivera (1) Emma Way (2)