WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Grace College's softball team wrapped up its 2023 season series with the Taylor Trojans on Tuesday afternoon.

The Lancers (9-24, 8-20 Crossroads League) struggled to find offensive consistency, dropping game one 5-0 and game two 7-1. 

Despite falling short in both games, Grace continues to hold a narrow advantage of St. Francis for the final spot in the Crossroads League Tournament. The Lancers and Cougars are scheduled to play each other next Tuesday.

In game one both teams got two runners safely aboard in the first innings but were unable to push across the game's first score.

Abbie Rymers had the lone hit in the second inning but the Trojans' (18-20, 10-14 CL) defense stiffened to hold the game scoreless entering the third.

In the top-half of the third frame, Taylor used a two-out rally to plate the first runs of the opening game and claimed a 2-0 lead.

Grace's offense was stymied through the middle innings and Taylor would double their lead in the sixth inning as their lead reached 4-0.

Cassie Hayes and Tia O'Connor both got onboard in the bottom of the sixth with no outs, but again the Trojans escaped unscathed after a groundout and a line-drive that turned into an unfortunate double play against the Lancers retired the side.

Grace was unable to threaten in the seventh inning, dropping game one 5-0.

Hayes had a perfect showing at the plate, going 3-3 in her at-bats. Jeri Ellis got the start and struck out three batters.

In game two, Taylor drew first blood in the top of the first frame. The Trojans used a pair of doubles to claim a 1-0.

Taylor Hodgen started Grace off by earning a leadoff walk, but despite working her to third base, the Lancers were unable to push her across for the score.

Grace got their leadoff batter on base again in the second inning. This time the honors went to Carly Ruiz who reached on a double to right-center field. She would be joined on base by Rymers who reached via a walk, but Grace was again denied a score by Taylor's stingy defense.

The Trojans advantage reached four before Grace crossed their first run in the bottom half of the third inning.

For the third consecutive inning Grace's leadoff hitter got onboard when Laikyn Lowe singled to start the third. Lowes' hit was followed by two consecutive outs that threatened to keep Grace scoreless.

It would be Hayes whose hit broke the seal for Grace as her double into center field scored Lowe to pull the Lancers within 4-1.

Unfortunately for Grace, they were unable to get any closer as Taylor added a run in in the fifth and two more in the seventh to lay claim to the 7-1 one victory.

Hayes added another hit in game two, to bring her hit total to four for the afternoon, while also adding an RBI. Kierstin Fickas pitched three and a third innings in relief and recorded two strikeouts.

Grace will be back in action on Friday as they travel to Huntington, before returning home on Saturday to take on Goshen as part of the Lancers Senior Day. The Lancers Will honor; Ellis, Lowe, Ruiz and Ashley Beckler during the Senior Day ceremony.