The Case Western Reserve University softball team recorded its second consecutive shutout, defeating Carnegie Mellon University 2-0 at Mather Park in Cleveland, Ohio on Friday afternoon to start a season-ending eight-game homestand and its final University Athletic Association series of the season.

The Spartans improved to 21-9 overall and 13-3 in UAA games. CWRU needs just two wins to clinch the conference title after starting the day one and one-half games ahead of Washington University in St. Louis in the standings. The Tartans fell to 15-16 and 6-10 in the UAA.

Case Western Reserve scored in the first inning to take an early lead. Sophomore outfielder Stevie Rieger, who walked with one out in the inning, scored on a wild pitch with senior infielder Liv Thomas at the plate. The Spartans drew three walks in the inning and 10 in the game, the second-most by a team in program history.

Rieger scored the second CWRU run in the third inning. After leading off the frame with her second walk of the day, she stole second base and third base. First-year shortstop Isabella Russo delivered a run-scoring single to right field to double the Spartan advantage.

First-year pitcher Lexi Miskey worked around three hits, two walks, and two hit batters to record her fourth career shutout. She struck out nine batters in the contest and leads the conference with 94 strikeouts on the season.

Russo collected two of the team's four hits in the game, going two-for-four at the plate. Junior outfielder Carli Tucci and sophomore catcher Jordon Manworren had the other two hits.

The Spartans and Tartans will continue their four-game series with a doubleheader on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m.