SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Senior Jenna Kroll crushed a two-run homer in the bottom of the fourth inning, but wasn't enough as the Toledo softball team lost 4-2 to Loyola Chicago on Saturday at USC Upstate's Spartan Classic. Toledo won its doubleheader yesterday against Towson and USC Upstate to finish 2-1 over the weekend. 

Kroll's two-run homer in the fourth cut the Rockets' deficit 4-2, but the Rockets were unable to rally further. Her home run was the 20^th of her career to tie Erica Singer (2004-08) for the No.6 spot in Toledo history.

Junior Sophia Knight came in during the second inning and allowed only one hit in six innings of work against the Ramblers. Freshman Mady Yackee got the call on Saturday and gave up four runs in defeat in her first game as a Rocket.

Junior Eli Enriquez paced the UT offense in Spartanburg, with four hits including one triple, and three RBIs, and had a .600 SLG %. She was also 4-for-4 in stolen base attempts. Senior Riley Mohr hit a team-high .429, while senior Madison Mikulski scored three runs for the Rockets. Knight had a 0.54 ERA and struck out nine batters in 13.0 innings of work.

"First weekend out is where you find out where your team is really at," head coach Jessica Bracamonte said. "You spend weeks practicing and scrimmaging to become as prepared as possible, but taking the field against another team is the true test. We did a lot of things really well, but still have a lot to work on."

"Our pitchers did a great job of competing in the circle and overall, our defense played solid behind them," Bracamonte added. "We were a little quiet at the plate this weekend, but I believe it was a good lesson for our offense in the importance of approach.

"At the end of the day, we found a way to take two games from two very good teams, so that is a lot to be proud of. We're looking forward to a full week to be able to clean up some things and prepare for our next tournament in Murray."

With inclement weather in the forecast, Toledo's final game against host USC Upstate for Sunday at 12:30 p.m. has been canceled. Toledo will be back in action on Feb. 23-25 for Murray State's Velvet Milkman Tournament in Murray, Ky.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Ramblers scored three runs in the first inning and a solo homer by Abbie Gregus in the second to take a 4-0 lead.
• Riley Mohr opened the fourth inning with a walk, and Jenna Kroll stepped with a blast to center field to make it a 4-2 ballgame.
• Loyola Chicago threatened with bases loaded and two outs in the fifth, but Sophia Knight got Jocelyn Currie swinging to end the inning.
• Rockets had one runner in scoring position with two outs in the seventh, but a pop out to center field ended the game.