WAUKESHA, Wis. -- Alverno College split a nonconference doubleheader with host Carroll University today at Kilgour Field today, losing 1-0 on a walk-off homer in extra innings in game one before winning 6-3 in the second game of the twin bill.

The heartbreaking loss in game one was one that could have been avoided. "We had a critical running error in the sixth that took us out of the inning," Alverno head coach Kristin Kosobucki said.

With one out in the top of the sixth inning and runners on second and third, freshman second baseman Roxanne Kresmer (South Milwaukee, Wis.) hit fly ball to right field attempting the sacrifice fly, but senior pitcher Jessica Goetz (Milwaukee, Wis./Martin Luther) was also called out on the play for leaving the base early.

"We also left a good amount of runners on base," Kosobucki said, referring to the eight stranded in the game. "We just couldn't get them across the plate. Bases were loaded in the third with no outs, and we just couldn't get a hit there."

The Inferno's defense and a great pitching performance by Goetz kept the game in reach, sending the 0-0 tie into extra innings. Goetz would have a two-out triple trying to aid her own cause, but she would remain stranded and the Inferno (8-14) would go away empty in the extra frame.

Goetz, who recorded 10 strikeouts in the game, would retire the first batter of the eighth inning before a miscue, as Carroll's Christine Roggemann (St. Charles, Ill.) nailed a walk-off home run to left-centerfield for the win.

"It's a hard way too lose a game," Kosobucki said. "But the team does a great job of staying behind Jess, knowing she does a great job in the circle."

In game two, the Inferno started to get the bats going with nine hits and six runs, including five in the fourth inning where the team batted around the order.

"They are starting to see that they need to execute," Kosobucki said. "And it was great to see everybody contribute that inning. It showed that hitting is contagious and once they start it they can keep it going and score some runs."

Goetz again did a great job in the circle with seven Ks and allowed only two earned runs seven innings. She pitched for her 12th complete game of the season, now at 8-11 on the season after the doubleheader.

Freshman centerfielder Bre Hart (Racine, Wis./Park) led the Inferno bats on the day with a 4-for-8 performance and a RBI, while freshman first baseman Jamie Villalobos (Antioch, Ill.) was 3-for-6 with an RBI and a run.

Kresmer had three RBIs for the Inferno on two hits, and right fielder Shataya McComb (Kingston, N.Y.) was 2-for-6 at the plate with an RBI and a run.

"It was nice having the lead and playing for outs opposed to trying to stop the runners," Kosobucki said. "When we have that four or five run lead, outs are more important at that point. Once we get up, it takes pressure off our defense and it has them settle in and know they can make those plays."

The Inferno will play their second of four doubleheaders this week tomorrow as they host three-time defending NAC champion Aurora University. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Alverno Field.