CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Western Michigan softball team split a pair of weekday matches on Monday, March 6. The Broncos dropped a 3-2 extra inning game to South Dakota State and then bounced back with a 4-1 victory over Niagara University.

In game one, the Broncos jumped on the Jack Rabbits in the bottom of the first when first baseman Kelsea Cichocki singled to left field driving in Ivy Schaaf. South Dakota State pulled ahead in the third with two runs off three hits before senior Abby Stoner doubled to center field evening the score at two apiece at the end of three.

In the top of the fourth, sophomore pitcher Skyler Sobeski came in as relief as the right hander pitched 4.0 innings allowing just three hits, walking three batters and striking out two.

With a runner starting at second in extra innings, sophomore pitcher Jordan Kurth retired the leadoff batter but after a sac bunt and a single to right field the Jack Rabbits took a 3-2 lead and the Broncos were unable to push another run across in the eighth.

Sophomore pitcher Holly VanTillburg led the Broncos during the second game of the day. The right handed transfer threw a complete game to earn the win while allowing only one run on two hits and striking out five.

Western Michigan took the lead in the bottom of the second scoring two runs on two hits. Stoner started the inning off with a single to left field and advanced on a passed ball. Erin Binkowski took a free base leading to a Jenna Faultersack single to left field bringing in Stoner and earning a RBI. The other run occurred with the bases loaded and an Aspen Williams walk brought Binkowski across the plate.

The Broncos added two more runs in the fourth and sixth innings to seal the 4-1 victory. The Purple Eagles' lone run occurred in the fifth off one hit and one error. Cichocki led the Broncos in game two going three-for-four adding two RBI's.

Western Michigan (8-10) will return to action on Friday, March 10 beginning the second weekend of the USF Under Armour Series to face Central Connecticut State at 11:30 a.m. and Mount St. Mary's at 2 p.m.