ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Washington University in St. Louis softball team fell to No. 6 Case Western Reserve University 3-1 on Friday afternoon in the first game of the four-game series. The Bears are now 17-8 overall with a 6-3 mark in UAA play.
 
The Spartans quickly got on the board, producing two runs in the top of the first inning. With one out, Karen Potts hit a ground-rule double to right center and scored on a Stevie Rieger double to left center. Elizabeth Berry followed with a single through the left side, advancing on the throw, to score Rieger.
 
CWRU put another run on the board in the top of the sixth inning. Rieger doubled through the left side and advanced to third on a passed ball. Berry grounded out to second, scoring Rieger for the 3-0 edge.
 
The Bears scored their lone run of the game in the bottom of the seventh inning. Kennedy Grippo drew a lead-off walk and advanced to second on a passed ball. Olivia Craycraft reached base on a fielder's choice play and Maggie Baumstark hit a two-out double to right center, making it a 3-1 game.
 
Baumstark finished 2-for-2 with one RBI while Geluck was 1-for-1 with two walks.
 
Jordan Rossi took her first loss of the season in the circle, pitching a complete game with seven hits, three runs, four walks and five strikeouts.
 
The Bears return tomorrow with a doubleheader against the Spartans, beginning at 12 p.m.