ROSEMONT, Ill. – Parkside softball gave top-seeded Saginaw Valley all it could handle in a tightly contested GLIAC Tournament matchup, but ultimately came up just short in a 2-1 loss on Friday morning at Parkway Bank Sports Complex.

Senior Olivia Masnica was strong in the circle for the Rangers, tossing six innings while allowing just three hits and two earned runs against a potent Cardinals lineup. Despite issuing six walks, Masnica worked out of multiple jams to keep Parkside in striking distance throughout.

Saginaw Valley (41-12) struck first in the bottom of the first, capitalizing on a pair of walks and an RBI groundout by catcher Emma Helvie. The Cardinals added what would be the winning run in the third on a sacrifice fly from first baseman Emily Schneider, following a leadoff single and another pair of free passes.

Parkside (26-23) broke through in the fifth after Reese Valha reached on an error and came around to score on a clutch RBI single up the middle from Hali Remington, making it 2-1. The Rangers had a chance to tie or take the lead in the seventh after Valha walked and advanced to second on a wild pitch, but Saginaw Valley ace Macy Irelan (18-3) shut the door with her 10th strikeout of the day to seal the win.

Offensively, the Rangers were held to just three hits—singles by Remington, Mia Johnson, and Megan Medlin—but showed resilience by staying in the game despite limited opportunities. Johnson reached base twice, going 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored.

Irelan was in command from the outset, scattering three hits and three walks over seven innings. She struck out 10 and allowed no earned runs in a 119-pitch effort.

With the loss, Parkside moves to the elimination bracket and will look to bounce back at 4:00pm on  Friday against third seeded Ferris State. Links to coverage can be found at ParksideRangers.com/coverage.