Alex Molloy flirted with a no-hitter and ended up with her 15th win of the season as the Hamline softball team split a doubleheader with Carleton Saturday at Meredith Field. Molloy came within one out of a no-no in Game 1 as Hamline took a tight 2-1 triumph. The Knights turned the tables in the nightcap with a 4-0 decision to end a Hamline winning streak.  

Molloy shackled the Knights in Gme 1. She faced the minimum 18 batters over the first six innings. The only runner got on via a walk and wiped out in a rundown in the second inning. The sophomore retired 16 in a row at one point. HU led 2-0 in the seventh with two outs when a dropped fly ball for an error gave the Knights a runner at second. Maris Daleo then singled cleanly to score a run and break up the no-hit attempt. Molloy then fanned Samantha Kile -- her eighth strikeout -- to end the game. 

The Pipers got their runs in the first inning. With two outs and runners on first and second, Delaney Kohler (pictured) was safe on an error that scored a run. Malloy followed with a RBI single for what proved to be the winning run. The pitcher helped herself at the plate with two hits and a walk. 

In the nightcap, the Knights struck early, getting a run in the first inning and two more in the third off Malloy. Kira Krueger relieved and pitched well, allowing only a solo home run in the seventh inning. 

Hamline had chances, leaving the bases loaded in the fourth and putting runners on second and third with no outs in the seventh but could not plate anybody. Kohler had two of the Pipers' six hits. 

The Pipers are 19-15 overall and 12-6 in MIAC play. They can clinch fourth place -- the final playoff spot -- with three wins in their final four games. The first two of those are Sunday, April 28 against Concordia at Meredith Field at 1:00 p.m. Bethel wraps up the season on Monday, April 29 with a pair of games.