The Case Western Reserve University softball team split a doubleheader with Brandeis University at Marcus Field in Waltham, Massachusetts on Saturday, winning the first game 3-2 but falling 4-2 in the second game.

The Spartans are 19-9 on the season and 11-3 in University Athletic Association play. The team holds a one game lead over Washington University in St. Louis in the conference standings with five games remaining. The 11 conference wins are a new program record. The Judges are 20-13 and 6-9 in the UAA, tied for third place.

Game 1: CWRU 3, Brandeis 2

First-year pitcher Kylie Hosey helped her own cause in the top of the second, giving the Spartans an early 2-0 lead. With the bases loaded, Hosey grounded out to the first baseman who threw home to attempt a double play. The throw sailed wide, and two runners scored. 

After allowing a leadoff double in the first inning, Hosey (10-5) retired the next nine batters she faced with three strikeouts. She finished the day with five strikeouts in five and two-third innings, allowing two runs on six hits. 

The Spartans added a run in the next frame when sophomore outfielder Stevie Rieger beat a throw home on a grounder by junior infielder Amanda Riely. Rieger singled to lead off the inning and advanced to third on a single by senior infielder Liv Thomas. Thomas reached base three times in the game, adding a walk and hit by pitch to her hit. She also stole a base. 

In the bottom of the sixth, the Judges scored twice with two outs on singles. With two runners on base, first-year pitcher Lexi Miskey entered the game and recorded a flyout to preserve the one-run lead. Miskey retired the side in order in the seventh inning to earn her second save of the season. She recorded two strikeouts in one and one-third perfect innings.

Game 2: Brandeis 4, CWRU 2

First-year outfielder Isabella Russo put the Spartans on the board in the second inning of the second game with a solo home run, her fourth of the season. She went two-for-three in the contest with a run scored and one driven in. 

In the fourth inning, Brandeis took the lead with a two-run single. 

Rieger tied the score at two in the top of the sixth inning, leading off the frame with a solo home run to left center field. It was her third homer of the season. However, the Judges were able to reclaim the lead in the bottom half of the inning, scoring on a solo home run and a single. Brandeis retired CWRU in order in the final inning to secure the split.

Miskey (9-4) pitched five innings, allowing two earned runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts, taking the loss. 

The Spartans and Judges conclude their four-game series on Sunday with first pitch scheduled for 11 a.m.