CHATHAM, Ill. — The Lawrence University softball team rallied late but fell short in the opener of Saturday's doubleheader, dropping a 6–4 decision to Blackburn College.

Blackburn struck first in the opening inning when Caroline Gibson delivered an RBI single to give the Beavers a 1–0 lead. The hosts added another run in the third inning on a Kenadee Frey RBI single to extend the advantage to 2–0.

The Beavers broke the game open in the fifth inning with a four-run frame. Frey drove in a run with a single, Mailee Schoen added an RBI groundout, and Hunter Kirk capped the rally with a two-run double to push Blackburn's lead to 6–0.

Lawrence began its comeback in the sixth inning. Anna Whiteside scored on a bases-loaded walk by Zoe Doherty, and Gillian Guerriero followed with an RBI single to trim the deficit to 6–2.

The Vikings continued to apply pressure in the seventh inning. Sajel Stewart-Verna scored on another bases-loaded walk from Doherty, and Anitza Gutierrez added an RBI single to bring Lawrence within two runs. Blackburn, however, held on to secure the 6–4 victory.

Lawrence collected eight hits in the contest, led by Doherty and Gutierrez with two hits apiece. Guerriero added a hit and an RBI, while Ava Pilgrim also recorded two hits for the Vikings.

In the circle, Avery Chilson started for Lawrence and struck out six over four innings. Kylan Arndt worked the final two innings in relief.