KISSIMMEE, Fla. - The UW-Eau Claire softball team fell to Hope College (MI) 4-0 in five innings and had its game with Mount Vernon University (OH) rained out here today at the Rebel Spring Games.

The Blugolds were held to only two hits in the rain-shortened loss to Hope. Eau Claire was able to push a run across in the sixth inning but rain stopped the inning before it was completed. Since the inning wasn't completed the game reverted back to the fifth inning score of 4-0.

Mallory McKinney (So.-Brooklyn Park, MN/Champlin Park) took the loss for the Blugolds. McKinney allowed four runs, two earned, on six hits. Hope scored two runs in the second inning and added single runs in the fourth and fifth innings.

The loss drops Eau Claire's record to 6-3 on the year.

The Blugolds resume action tomorrow with games against Grove City College (PA) and Ramapo College (NJ). Eau Claire opens the day with a 2:20 p.m. start against Grove City and concludes the day with a 6 p.m. game against Ramapo.

- JL -