BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The softball team's incredible season came to an end in the NCAA Regionals when the Panthers dropped the opening game to Nebraska Wesleyan and fought in the elimination game against Bethany Luthern but fell short. 

How it Happened:

Game 1 vs. Neb. Wesleyan

The Panthers fell 2-1 to Nebraska Wesleyan in a tightly contested NCAA Tournament matchup on Thursday afternoon.

After falling behind 2-0 in the second inning, the Panthers battled back in the third when Kelsey Martlage crossed the plate on a catcher interference call.

Despite outhitting Nebraska Wesleyan over the final innings, Greenville couldn't push across the tying run, leaving seven runners stranded.

Senior pitcher Sarah Salas (11-1) suffered her first loss of the season despite a strong outing, striking out four and allowing just two runs over seven innings.

Offensively, Jamey Johnson, Josie Grunloh, and Martlage each collected key hits to give GU a fighting chance.

Game 2 vs. Bethany Lutheran

Greenville's remarkable season came to a heartbreaking end on Friday as the Panthers fell 4–1 to Bethany Lutheran.

Despite a strong season, Greenville couldn't solve Bethany's pitcher, who limited the Panthers to just two hits across seven innings. 

Greenville's lone score came in the third inning when Jayden Zamora singled and later came around on an RBI single up the middle by Grunloh, tying the game at 1–1. However, Bethany quickly answered and never looked back.

Melissa Bernal (15–3) took the loss, allowing six hits and four earned runs in 5.1 innings.

The loss ends Greenville's historic 37-win campaign, but not before the Panthers proved they belonged on the national stage.

Up Next:

The Panthers end their season with a 37-6 overall record and a 16-2 conference record, while taking the conference league and tournament titles!