WHEELING, Ill. - In their home opener the TIU Softball team picked up a pair of nonconference wins, defeating Ripon College 3-1, and 4-2 at Heritage Park on Thursday afternoon.

Payton Carli led the way for the Trojans in game one, going 1-2 with 2 RBI's including driving in the opening run of the game. After the Trojans got out to an early 1-0 lead in the 1st inning the Red Hawks tied the game in the top half of the 4th on an RBI single.

Carli would come up clutch again for the Trojans, driving in her second run of the day with an RBI single in the 5th. The Trojans would add another run in the bottom half of the inning, sealing the 3-1 victroy.

Taylor Carli had a strong game inside the circle, throwing a complete game and allowing just one run on three hits.

In game two it was another solid effort from TIU, coming back from down 2-0 to rally back for a 4-2 victory. P. Carli was a catalyst yet again going 3-4 with a pair of runs. Sara Grygus drove in the game winning run with an RBI single in the 5th to complete the comeback and give TIU the doubleheader sweep.

The Trojans will look to continue their strong play tomorrow when they travel to Joliet to take on #18 St. Francis at 4 PM.