SAINT LOUIS- The La Salle softball team dropped the final game of their weekend series against the Billikens 5-1 on Sunday afternoon. The Explorers had nine hits on the day but were unable to comeback after the hosts scored five early runs.
 
The game was halted with two outs in the top of the sixth inning by rain and they were unable to finish due to the weather and the Explorers travel plans.
 
La Salle jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Sophomore Michelle Hagarty and senior Linnette Siedler led off the game with back-to-back singles. Sophomore Suzanne Swanicke was able to get the run home after hitting a grounder past the pitcher before being retired by the second basemen while Hagarty scored.
 
The Billikens answered back with three runs in the bottom half of the inning to take a 3-1 leads. After La Salle squandered two one out singles by junior Erica Reis and sophomore Mackenzie Obert in the top of the second, Saint Louis grabbed two more runs in the bottom half of the inning to take a 5-1 lead from which they wouldn't look back.
 
Again, La Salle threatened in the third inning with two straight singles to lead off the inning from Siedler, and sophomore Christina Bascara. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch to give the Explorers runners on second and third with no outs. However, Brianne Lore recorded three straight outs to leave the runners stranded and not allow the Explorers to cut into the lead.
 
Freshman McKenzie Peace threw three scoreless innings in relief keeping La Salle in striking distance. Peace allowed four hits and three walks but used five strikeouts to keep the Billikens off of the board.
 
The Explorers return to action on Wednesday hosting Saint Joseph's for a midweek conference doubleheader with the action slated to kick off at 3 p.m.