Quincy, Ill. - The Quincy University softball team started their final regular season weekend on a thrilling note, taking the once nationally-ranked Bearcats of McKendree University to 11 innings. Despite a struggle in the batter's box in game one (L, 8-1), the Hawks notched a four-run inning in game two and pushed through four extra innings to take the win over the Bearcats 7-6. 

Game One
Despite senior Kaelyn Conger shutting down the Bearcats bats in the first inning, McKendree found momentum in the second , converting two hits into three runs. Emma Stieferman had a chance to give the Hawks a run on the board, but some sacrifice hits sent the Hawks' dugout back to the field. 

Neither team produced until the fifth inning when McKendree copied their second inning and converted two hits to three runs. Mykah Hurley got on with a hit to the right center gap but was caught stealing on the next at-bat to end the half inning. The Bearcats' sent a two-run homer through left field to extend the lead to 8-0 at the top of the sixth inning. Kenzie Moss sent the ball in the same gap Hurley had in the inning prior, bringing in Lindsey Fischer in the process at the bottom of the inning.

Conger posted four strikeouts in five innings before Stieferman finished the game and threw one strikeout. 

Game Two
The first inning was loaded up with a two-RBI single for the Bearcats and a run around the bases for Jessie Martin. Martin walked and was brought in by a pop into the outfield from Stieferman. Both sides had a quick three innings to follow before the Hawks gained the lead in the fifth inning. 

Kinsey Biggerstaff started off the inning with a home run over the left center wall. Martin drew a hit by pitch to begin a two-out rally. Moss homered to take the lead. Three straight singles for the Hawks produced another run to set the Hawks' lead at 5-2 with two innings remaining. 

Quincy shut down the Bearcats in the sixth inning, going three-up, three-down. The Hawks loaded the bases on an Allyson Maynard single and two walks in the bottom of the inning. Isabella Shields battled at the plate but fell victim to a pop-up foul catch from the Bearcats' catcher. McKendree found some late momentum in the seven and drove in three runs to tie things up with one final at-bat for the Hawks. Three fly outs sent the teams into extra innings. 

Both teams made an effort to get players on and around the bags, but it wasn't until the 11th inning that hits turned into runs. The Bearcats' lead-off popped the ball over the left side of the infield to get on base. A quick out by Madison Peck at first and a great grab from Moss at shortstop promised an unscathed inning. However, a hard knock from the Bearcats to left center brought the runner at third home. 

Biggerstaff started the inning off with a single and after two outs, Moss took one off the helmet to load the front half of the bases. A hit that barely landed fair in right field from Shields helped Biggerstaff to home easily, tying the game once again. McKendree's right fielder sent the ball home, and the ball took a funny bounce off the catcher and Moss made her way to the plate for the winning run. 

Kaidence Dumas got the start in game two and struck out three in regulation innings. Stieferman came back in to finish out the game, playing all four extra innings. 

The Hawks return Sunday for their Senior Day against Maryville University. First pitch is slated for 12 p.m. with game two to follow. Senior day festivities will conclude the day at Mart Heinen Softball Complex.