Appleton, Wisconsin — The Lawrence University softball team split a Midwest Conference doubleheader with Cornell College on Saturday, using a strong offensive response in the opener before falling in the second game.

Across the two contests, the Vikings showed resilience at the plate and timely hitting, bouncing back in Game 1 with a big inning before Cornell used late offense to take Game 2.

Lawrence opened the day with a 9-5 victory, rallying from an early deficit with a five-run fourth inning to seize control of the game. The Vikings capitalized on key opportunities in the frame, highlighted by a two-run double from Anitza Gutierrez that tied the game and shifted momentum.

Zoe Doherty delivered the biggest swing of the game in the sixth inning, launching a home run and finishing with five RBIs to power the Lawrence offense. The Vikings continued to apply pressure throughout, working walks and taking advantage of scoring chances to build their lead.

Gillian Guerriero added a multi-hit performance, while Allisyn Briggs reached base multiple times and scored twice. Lawrence totaled six hits but made the most of its opportunities with disciplined at-bats and situational hitting.

In the circle, Avery Chilson went the distance to earn the win, navigating traffic on the bases and limiting damage in key moments to secure the Game 1 victory.

In Game 2, Cornell responded with a 7-2 win, using a late surge to break open a competitive contest. The Vikings stayed within striking distance through the early innings before Cornell plated two runs in the fifth and added four more in the seventh to pull away.

Lawrence recorded seven hits in the second game, with Anitza Gutierrez driving in a run. Gillian Guerriero and Callie Rozak each contributed hits, while Allisyn Briggs added a double as the Vikings continued to generate offense.

The Vikings showed fight in the final inning, scoring twice as Janna Bode and Shelby Rozak came around to score, but the late deficit proved too large to overcome.