KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- In their second game of the afternoon, the Illinois Wesleyan softball team suffered their first loss of the season, falling to No. 12-ranked Trine University by a final score of 12-10 from the Osceola Sports Complex in Kissimmee, Fla. Earlier in the afternoon, IWU score five runs between the fifth and sixth innings to top Marietta College.

The 5-1 Titans subdued Marietta by a score of 5-1 and were overcome by Trine by a 12-10 tally. Marietta's record falls to 3-7 while Trine continues their strong start to the season at 10-0.

IWU trailed Marietta by a score of 1-0 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning, but a double down the left field line from sophomore centerfielder Jillian Runyon scored junior Stephanie Prentice to knot the game up. Junior leftfielder Summer Stitt plated Runyon with a bunt single in the ensuing plate appearance to give IWU the lead once and for all. 

Runyon continued her strong play into the sixth inning as she singled home junior catcher Delaney Olinger and later came home to score on a Stitt single. Prentice scored via catcher error prior to Runyon crossing the plate. Runyon and Sitt each hit 3-for-4 with two RBI's against the Pioneers. Freshman starting pitcher Brea Walker earned the first win of her career with a three-hit, one-run performance. Walker added five strikeouts to her final tally.

A nine-run third inning from Trine crushed the Titans chances in the teams second game of the afternoon. Sophomore pitcher Taylor Marvin had a rough day in the circle to the tune of 10 hits and nine earned runs. Junior pitcher Mackenzie Marquis fared a bit better, allowing five hits and three earned runs over 5 1/3 innings pitched.

Two Titans collected four-hit performances against the Thunder in Runyon and sophomore second baseman Julie Josten. Runyon batted a perfect 4-for-4 while Josten hit 4-for-5 alongside a six RBI performance which ranks second in program single game history.

Josten's six RBI are tied with similar performances from Katie Frawley (2006) and Michelle Bradley (2004).

Runyon stole three bases in the contest, putting herself in scoring position for the likes of Josten and freshman shortstop Shelby Fulk.

A two-RBI single from Josten gave IWU a 4-2 lead in the third inning, but following a nine-run performance from Trine the Titans found themselves in an 11-4 hole. Fulk and Josten each brought runs around to score in the fourth and a bases loaded walk from senior third baseman Katie Caulfield cut the Thunder lead to 11-8. A two-RBI single from Josten in the fifth cut Trine's lead to 12-10, but the Titans left three on base over the final two innings to close the game.

What's Next?
The Titans play two more games on Thursday in Florida, at 9:00 a.m. ET against SUNY Cortland and at 1:30 p.m. ET against Messiah. Both games are at Oren Brown Park in Kissimmee, Fla.