In Short…
The high-scoring Bradley Braves proved too much for Loyola, as the visitors captured both contests on Monday (April 1). The Ramblers plated four runs in game two, half of which came on a seventh inning two-run homer by Shannon McGee.

Coach Tylka's Thoughts:
"We have to do a better job of getting the first out and making some play on defense," head coach Jeff Tylka said. "[UIC] has an idea of what our hitters want to do, we have an idea of what their hitters want to do, they're going to see different pitching from us and we'll most likely see different pitching from them. It'll be another good contest."
 
How It Happened
Keenan Dolezal got the start in game one and tossed four innings with just two runs surrendered. Both of the righty's runs were charged in the second inning when Bradley drew first blood on a 2-RBI double in the third inning. Aside from the third inning hiccup, Dolezal logged her four innings with just three hits allowed and kept the Braves out of scoring position until the fourth inning.
 
Loyola cut the lead in half with a rally that began on a Jordyn Cordell double. After managing to advance to third, Jessica Shields reached on a fielder's choice to pick up the RBI and bring home Cordell.
 
However, a big sixth inning was the major difference in game one, as the Braves posted five to blow it open. Ten batters reached and five runs scored as the Ramblers were suddenly faced with a 7-1 deficit going into their half of the sixth. The home team got runners on in each remaining inning, including two on in the seventh, but Bradley held on to take the first contest of the twin bill.
 
The Braves scored a handful of runs in the early innings to put Loyola in an early hole. Two in the first, followed by a four-run third inning elevated Bradley to a 6-0 lead in a blink of an eye.
 
The Ramblers did battle back, beginning with a two-run fifth inning. A fielder's choice for Shannon McGee kick-started her 3-RBI afternoon and advanced Shields to third. Allyson Ivey brought home Shields the very next batter, but the rally was limited to two as BU right fielder Stacia Seeton registered an outfield assist to get the Braves out of the inning.
 
Bradley clipped the Ramblers for three more runs in the sixth to go back up by seven at 9-2. Down to their final three outs upon the seventh inning, McGee made it interesting with a two-out blast over the right field fence to bring home two and cut the deficit to 9-4. Ivey and Katie Kasubke picked up base-knocks in the following at-bats, but BU starter Emma Jackson ended the rally there and inked the complete game victory.
 
A Look at the Numbers
-Shannon McGee's game two home run was the second of the year marked her third straight season of hitting multiple.
-McGee also scored her 30^th run of the season to become the first Rambler in 2019 to reach the mark.
-Kiley Jones tossed 4.2 innings of relief in game two. She now needs three innings to tie Amy Solava (2007-10) for the second most in program history.
-Madison Ebeling followed yesterday's two-hit outing with another multi-hit performance in game one, the first time she's done so on multiple occasions.
 
Up Next
Loyola clashes with UIC for the second time this season, this time at Loyola Softball Park. First pitch against the Flames is thrown at 4 p.m.