KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Shepherd University (6-4) split a pair of games in softball action at The Spring Games in Kissimmee, Florida on Wednesday. The Rams recorded a 7-4 win over Bemidji State (9-7) and dropped a 4-2 decision to Purdue Northwest (6-3).

Shepherd took a 3-0 lead in the third inning against Bemidji State on a three-run double by senior first baseman Connor Gilligan (Medford, N.J. Shawnee).

Bemidji State rallied with three runs in the third on a two-run single by Elaina Christiansen and an RBI-single by Olivia Tucker.

Shepherd answered back with four runs in the bottom of the frame. A three-run single by senior catcher Rachel Taylor (Marshall, Va./Fauquier) highlighted the scoring outburst.

The Beavers added a run in the seventh on an RBI-single by Brooke Phillips.

Senior outfielder Kaitlyn Konopka (Medford, N.J./Shawnee) and Taylor each had a pair of hits for the Rams.

Sophomore pitcher Cheyenne Van Pelt (South Riding, Va./Freedom) (7.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 1 ER 3 K, 2 BB) (1-0) gained the win for the Rams. Kaidron McLafferty (5.0 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 4 ER, 4 K, 4 BB) (1-1) to the loss.

Shepherd took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on an RBI-single by junior designated player Kayla Wilt (Hydman, Pa. Hydman/Potomac State).

Purdue Northwest took a 2-1 lead with a pair of unearned runs in the third and took a 4- 1 lead with two more in the fifth.

Shepherd added a run in the seventh as Taylor scored on a ground out by S=sophomore shortstop Ashley Burger (Hedgesville, W.Va./Spring Mills).

Freshman pitcher Sarah Lamper (Marshall, Va./Fauquier) (7.0 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 K, 3 BB) (2-1) took the loss for the Rams. Courtney Blackwell (7.0 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 3 K, 6 BB) (4-0) gained the win for the Pride.

The Rams return to action on Saturday when they travel to West Virginia Wesleyan for a 2 p.m. doubleheader.