(Peru, Neb.) – In the start of their final regular season games, the Peru State softball's team week did not start the way they had wanted.
 
While in Lamoni, Iowa, facing Graceland, the Bobcats fell to the Yellowjackets 14-7 and 1-0 in Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) North Division action.
 
With the wins, Graceland, who won all four games over Peru State this season, improved to 18-33 on the season and 10-24 in the Heart North. The 'Cats fell to 16-29 on the year and 10-20 in conference play.
 
First Game Action
 
In a game where everyone in the line-up had at least one hit, you would think it would produce a win. But errors, walks, and leaving base runners stranded proved to be too much for the Bobcats in the first game.

 
Peru State did get on the board first in the top of the first inning. Alyiah Franco (Syracuse, Utah) singled to shallow right and went to second when Takia Walker (Enterprise, Ala.) reached on a bunt. Morgan Wilke (Bakersfield, Calif.) singled to shallow right-center with Franco scoring and Walker moving to third. On a wild pitch, Walker scored and Wilke advanced to second. Carli Kohout (Cortland) reached on a walk. On a ground out, the two base runners advanced. On another ground out, Wilke scored to put the 'Cats up 3-0 at that point.

Graceland responded in the bottom of the inning by plating five runs.
 
The Bobcats would regain the lead in the top of the second inning. Carlye Rothschild (Eros, La.) was hit by a pitch. After a pitching change, Bailey Deal (Tinmath, Colo.) also reached on a walk. After a double steal, Franco was walked to load the bases. On a ground out, both Rothschild and Deal scored with Franco moving to third. After the second out, Kohout singled to shallow center to drive in Franco to put the score at 6-5.
 
The Yellowjackets would tie the score in the bottom of the third with one run.
 
The 'Cats would score their last run in the top of the fourth. After an out, Kohout singled to shallow center and would go to second when Tyler Farrell (Brandon, Fla.) singled to shallow right-center. Jerica German (Cortland) singled to load the bases. On a ground out, Kohout scored with the base runners advancing. While Peru State led 7-6 at that point, they left the base runners stranded.
 
Graceland would take the lead for good in the bottom of the fourth with four runs to go up 10-7 at that point. The 'Jackets would add four more in the bottom of the sixth for the final 14-7 score.
 
Peru State would leave two on base in each of the fifth and seventh innings without making a dent on the scoreboard.
 
The Yellowjackets scored their 14 runs on 11 hits and did not commit any errors. The Bobcats scored their seven runs on 13 hits and had one of their toughest games in terms of errors as they had five miscues.
 
Franco, Walker, Kohout, and Deal each had two hits to lead the 'Cats. Walker was credited with two RBI while Wilke, Kohout, German, and Alaina Lacy (Lincoln) each had one RBI.
 
Alana Krieser (Lincoln) had a tough go on the mound and was tagged for the loss. Krieser threw six innings and allowed 11 hits, 14 runs – eight of which were earned, and struck out three.

GRACELAND GAME ONE GAME BOOK
 
Game Two Action
 
The second game was just the opposite of the first game as the pitchers pretty much controlled the contest.

 
Graceland scored their lone run in the bottom of the first.
 
Peru State did have a couple of scoring opportunities as they left two on base in the top of the fourth and the top of the sixth, but could not capitalize.
 
The 'Jackets scored their one run on four hits and committed one error. The Bobcats had three hits and did not commit any errors.
 
Wilke had two of Peru State's three hits. Andrea Page (Palisade) had the Bobcats' only other hit.
 
Cheyenne Leach (Wymore) threw a complete game and was tagged for the loss. Leach allowed four hits, one earned run, and struck out three.

GRACELAND GAME TWO GAME BOOK
 
Upcoming Games
 
Peru State will be playing on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday to close the regular season.
 
They will be in Olathe, Kan., on Wednesday facing MidAmerica Nazarene in a double header beginning at 4 p.m. The Pioneers are 17-17 overall and are 15-13 in the Heart South.
 
On Thursday, Peru State will be in Parkville, Mo., to face Park in another double header beginning at 2 p.m. The Pirates are 7-29 on the season and are 7-25 in the Heart South.
 
The Bobcats will finish the regular season with a home double header on Saturday, May 1, when they host Culver-Stockton at 1 p.m. The Wildcats are 18-26 overall and are 15-17 in the Heart North.
 
The 'Cats still have a legitimate shot of making the conference's post-season tournament but will need to win at least four of its six upcoming games.