RIPON, Wis. - The Ripon College softball team put forth their best effort Thursday afternoon, but it was not enough, as they lost a pair of games to Carthage College by scores of 4-2 and 8-0, respectively.

Game one saw Carthage (16-14) jump on the scoreboard early with a run in the top of the first on an RBI single, but Ripon (2-24) answered with two runs in the second. Stephanie Cartwright tied the score with an RBI single to center field, while Kaylee Arendt gave the Red Hawks the lead with a steal of home plate.

That lead lasted until the fourth inning when Carthage scored three runs on two hits, scoring two runs on a single and the other on a sac fly.

Ripon finished with seven hits, with two coming from both Arendt and Ashley Parkkonen. Jessica Kobelt (0-4) suffered the loss, allowing three runs and striking out two in four innings.

Carthage's eight-hit attack was led by Makenzie Walker, Darian Pelsor and Vivian Juarez, whom each finished with two base knocks. Walker (3-2) also earned the win in the circle, allowing two runs and striking out two without issuing a walk in a seven-inning complete game.

The day's second game wasn't as close as the first, as it was all Carthage from the outset. The Lady Reds scored twice in the top of the first to take a lead they would never relinquish. They would add one run in each of the third, fourth and fifth innings, before capping the scoring with three in the sixth to earn the six-inning victory.

Ripon's four hits came from four different players. Lexi Reetz (1-9) suffered the loss, allowing three earned runs and striking out three in 4.1 innings of work.

Carthage pounded out 11 hits in the contest, led by Lauren Jones' three base knocks. Pelsor (4-5) picked up the victory, scattering four hits and striking out five in the complete game shutout.

The Red Hawks will be back in action again Saturday when they'll travel to Carroll University. That doubleheader will begin at 1 p.m. in Waukesha, Wis.