HUNTINGTON, W. Va. – Loyola Chicago (4-18, 0-0 A-10) split its doubleheader on Saturday, March 8, defeating Valparaiso, 11-4, in game one before falling, 4-2, to Buffalo in the second game.
"Today was an incredible day for Maddy and she was a spark for RBIs along with some really hard hit balls. Tomorrow's game is about showing up 100% for each other and their teammates. Regardless of outcome, our ABs, our defense, and our approach on the mound have to be about sparking something between one another," said head coach Alicia Abbott.
Game One: Loyola 11, Valparaiso 4
Loyola powered past Valparaiso, 11-4, fueled by a dominant offensive display from the Ramblers who scored in six of the seven innings. Maddy Hickey was the playmaker, going 3-for-3 with six RBIs, including a three-run homer in the third frame.
The Ramblers built on their lead with a five-run fourth inning, capitalizing on clutch hitting and the Beacons' defensive miscues. Despite a brief three-run surge in the fourth, Valparaiso struggled to contain Loyola's relentless offense and couldn't close the gap.
Andie Broniewicz secured the win for Loyola, delivering 3.2 scoreless innings in relief for Hickey while allowing zero hits and striking out three batters. With the victory, the Ramblers snapped a four-game losing streak.
Inside the Box Score
Game Two: Loyola 2, Buffalo 4
In game two of their doubleheader, the Ramblers fell, 4-2, to the Buffaloes. Buffalo opened scoring early with two runs in the first inning then maintained its momentum by adding another run in the second and tacking on one more in the fifth frame.
Loyola struggled to break through against Buffalo's pitching, staying scoreless through five innings. Relief pitcher Peyton Pepkowski kept Buffalo off the scoreboard after the fifth inning. The Ramblers finally broke through in the sixth with a two-run rally. Hickey launched a solo home run to left center, her second homer of the day, and freshman Abby Johnson doubled in another run, closing the deficit to 4-2.
Broniewicz, now 3-4, took the loss for Loyola after giving up three runs in two innings.
Inside the Box Score
- Hickey notched another home run, the second of her career and second in the doubleheader.
- Sass, Hickey and Johnson each recorded two hits while Averi Vander Woude and Crimaldi each added one.
- Pepkowski struck out four batters and Hickey had two.
Up Next
Loyola closes out its nonconference schedule tomorrow Sunday, March 9 against Marshall at 12:30 p.m. CT. The Ramblers open Atlantic 10 play with a series at Fordham on Saturday, March 14.
