Softball: Jacobs jumps on Dundee-Crown early

Misty, windy and cold conditions are certainly not conducive to putting up big offensive numbers.

Jacobs didn't let the inclement weather get in the way of producing 10 runs on 14 hits in a 10-6 win over District 300 rival Dundee-Crown in Fox Valley Conference Valley Division action in Algonquin Monday afternoon.

"We have changed the lineup up recently and have been scoring some runs," said Jacobs coach Katie O' Brien. "It was nice to score some runs early and play with the lead. We are starting to swing the bat well as a team."

The Golden Eagles (8-9, 4-3) didn't waste any time offensively scoring 8 runs in the first 2 innings, 4 in each one.

Jacobs' 4-run first was propelled by a 2-run double by Jessica Mrziak, a run-scoring double by Sarah Murray and an RBI single by Felicia Ruffalo off D-C pitcher Madison Pautz.

Pautz was in the circle instead of sophomore standout Sydney Ruggles (strained back). Ruggles' return to the lineup for the Chargers is uncertain.

In the second, the Eagles' big hits came from Murray (RBI single) and Alexis Addante (3-run homer).

The Eagles added 2 insurance runs in the fifth courtesy of RBI singles from Emily Borg and Teaghan Richman.

D-C (14-15, 2-6), which scored a run in the first on a solo homer by Claire Weeks, added 4 in the fifth on a grand slam homer from Hannah Gestrich and a run in the sixth on an RBI single from Pautz.

"Even without Sydney, I liked the way we battled for 7 innings, said Dundee-Crown coach Tracy Beatty. "We were down 8-1 after 2 innings and didn't hang our heads. I was excited with the way we swung the bats."

The Chargers, who collected 10 hits off winning pitcher Brittany Feldmann, were led by Andrea Conway, Weeks (2 runs scored) and Gestrich (4 RBI) with 2 hits each.

Jacobs' offensive onslaught was paced by Murray with 3 hits, 2 runs scored, 2 stolen bases and 2 RBI.

"I was really getting good swings at the plate the whole game," said Murray. "It was great to score early. It is a lot easier to play with the lead. I am happy as a team that we are really hitting the ball well."

Kerri Healy (2 runs scored), Mrziak (2 RBI), Ruffalo and Katie Armstrong each contributed 2 hits each for the Golden Eagles.