EUREKA, Ill. — The Lawrence University softball team opened Sunday's doubleheader with a strong all-around performance, defeating Eureka College 5–1 behind a dominant outing in the circle from Avery Chilson.

Lawrence struck first in the opening inning. After Anitza Gutierrez reached base and moved into scoring position, Isabella Alfaro grounded out to third base to bring home the game's first run and give the Vikings a 1–0 lead.

The Vikings added to the lead in the third inning when Zoe Doherty doubled and later scored after Alfaro reached on a fielding error, pushing the Lawrence advantage to 2–0.

Eureka cut into the deficit in the fourth inning when Danika Apostolovich stole home following a fly ball to right field, but Lawrence quickly responded with a decisive fifth inning. Doherty blasted a two-run home run to left field to score Ava Pilgrim and extend the lead to 4–1, and Gillian Guerriero followed moments later with a solo homer to center field to make it 5–1.

That offensive burst proved more than enough for Chilson, who turned in a stellar complete-game performance. The Lawrence pitcher allowed just four hits and one unearned run while striking out 10 over seven innings to secure the win.

Doherty led the Vikings offensively with two hits, including the home run and two RBIs. Guerriero added a home run and an RBI, while Gutierrez and Ava Pilgrim also recorded hits as Lawrence finished with five hits in the victory.