Jennings helps QU split softball doubleheader with Missouri S&T

QUINCY — Jaylie Jennings allowed just one run on nine hits in a complete-game victory to help the Quincy University softball team split a Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader against Missouri S&T on Saturday at the Mart Heinen Softball Complex. The Hawks won the second game 7-1 after losing 5-3 in 11 innings.

Quincy scored four runs in the second inning to take the lead in the second game. Freshman Mykah Hurley hit a two-run double, then scored on a single by sophomore Bailey Mitchell. Casey Brennan later drew a bases-loaded walk to drive in the fourth run of the inning.

The Hawks then put the game out of reach with three more runs in the third inning. Taylor Downen doubled in one run, and then Allyson Maynard doubled in two more runs.

Jennings (4-5) retired the side in order in three of the last four innings. She also had three hits of her own in the game.

Quincy led the first game 3-2 entering the top of the seventh, but Hannah Antzoulatos led off with a pinch-hit triple by and scored on a single by Madison Passolano tied the score. 

The Hawks had the winning run reach third base in the eighth inning and reach second base in the ninth inning but couldn’t get the clutch it they needed. The Miners broke through in the 11th, scoring twice on a sacrifice fly and an error. Quincy went down in order in the 11th.

Downen, Jennings and Maynard each had two hits for QU in the first game. Bailee Highbarger (3-7) went 10 1/3 innings and only surrendered three earned runs.

Quincy (12-25) is in 13th place in the 15-team GLVC with a 6-14 record. Missouri S&T (21-21) is tied for seventh place in the GLVC with a 9-11 record.