The Morton College softball team finished their Tuesday doubleheader with a pair of losses to Bryant & Stratton. The Tuesday twin billing was played at The Stadium in Rosemont, Illinois.

The Panthers entered 2-6 coming off a four-game trip in Florida against some impressive competition. Bryant & Stratton College picked up right where the competition left off in the sunshine state.

Morton saw a fairly quick deficit in Game 1, eventually losing in five innings, 10-0. The first three innings were a challenge against Sydney Birling. The Panthers eventually found out the first three innings were a sign of things to come.

The southpaw pitcher stymied the Panther offense, allowing no hits and walking one while striking out 12 in Bryant & Stratton's 10-0 victory in five innings.

''Defense is about pride and the best defenses are the ones who want the ball. We have a few players that don't want the ball hit towards them. You have to want the ball to improve. At this level, bunts should be outs and they had five or six where they reached. Defense is about begging swaggy and grit," Manager Aaron Moore stated.

The second game of the doubleheader was unfortunate at producing runs as well. Overall, the defense has room for improvement with winds in Rosemont making a difference on several pop-flys in the infield. There were also a few that carried towards the warning track, resulting in extra-base hits for Bryant and Stratton. 

''The good teams take pride and pay attention to detail, having a focus on minimizing runs and maximizing opportunities. I am hopeful we can find a few players who can lead us with that mentality as we go through the season," Moore stated.

The Panthers fell short in five innings during Game 2, losing 10-0. Garnering three doubles certainly gave the Panther squad some confidence heading into conference play.

The three extra-base hits registered in the doubleheader for Morton College were by some of their most productive hitters.

Heather Ward smacked a gapper into the left-center gap for a stand-up double in Game 2. Kennedi Meinecke roped one that hit the left-field line and bounced into the wall for another easy double. Then in the fifth inning, Yeliann Torrado Rodriguez hit one that carried to the wall for a double.

The Panthers ended up stranding all three of those runners on those doubles and there are certainly opportunities available with conference play looming.

''We can't strike out 20 times in two games, we have to make adjustments and have the mentality of passing the baton. We need to understand the importance of moving runners around,'' Moore said.

The Stadium, also known as Parkway Bank Sports Complex, has hosted the Chicago Bandits (2011-21), Big East Softball Tournament (2014-19), and the Roosevelt University Lakers (NAIA) over the years in Rosemont. 

''This stadium is where champions play. I won a few rings with the Bandits, and there were plenty of big moments. Playing here is a great opportunity for our players to compete and play at a high level,'' Moore said.

Next up for the Panthers is the beginning of conference play. A Thursday doubleheader in Crystal Lake against McHenry County College is slated to start at 3:00 pm.