CLERMONT, FLA.--The Hamline University softball team had a successful day in Clermont, Florida achieving a decisive 13-1 victory (5 innings) over UW-Stout in their first game, followed by a thrilling 10-9 win against UW-River Falls.
The Pipers improve to 5-3. The Blue Devils fall to 2-9, and the Falcons drop to 6-6.
Hamline 13, UW-Stout 1 (5 innings) (Game One)
In the opener against Stout, Hamline started strong, with
Mikenna Johnson doubling to right field, setting the stage for a two-run inning.
Abbey Herbert's sacrifice fly and
Josephine Cariveau's RBI single contributed to the early 2-0 lead. The Pipers capitalized on an error in the second inning, as
Savannah Johnson tripled and scored on
Lainey Wier's reached-on-error, extending their cushion to 4-0. The momentum continued in the third inning when
Savannah Johnson singled, stole second, and advanced home on a throwing error, pushing the score to 5-1.
The fourth inning was critical for the Pipers, as they scored seven runs.
Abbey Herbert's two-RBI single, along with hits from
Savannah Johnson and
Abigail Chamernick, extended the lead significantly, ending the inning ahead 12-1. In the fifth, Chamernick's RBI double brought in
Allison Boynton, solidifying Hamline's commanding 13-1 edge.
Individually,
Mikenna Johnson made a strong impact contributing two runs, three hits, and an RBI, including a double.
Savannah Johnson excelled with three runs, three hits, and an RBI, highlighted by a triple and a stolen base.
Abbey Herbert led in RBIs with three while adding a hit and a sacrifice fly. On the mound,
Natalee Boelk pitched a complete game, allowing one earned run over five innings with six hits and two walks, and improving her season record to 2-1.
Hamline 10, UW-River Falls 9 (Game Two)
The Falcons took an early 5-0 lead, scoring four runs in the first inning followed by one in the third. However, the Pipers responded fiercely in the third, scoring five runs. Chamernick's bunt single and
Mikenna Johnson's RBI single, followed by a successful steal of third, set the tone.
Jenna Rubbelke's sacrifice bunt allowed Johnson to score, followed by
Abbey Herbert's double that brought
Gabby Tuhy home to tie the game 5-5.
River Falls scored their final four runs of the game in the fourth inning, which gave them a 9-5 advantage.
Hamline secured a pivotal advantage when they turned a Falcon error into a fourth-inning run that narrowed their deficit to 9-6. In the sixth inning,
Jenna Rubbelke led off with a single, and
Abbey Herbert's double brought her home.
Natalynn Lundeen's two-RBI double scored
Savannah Johnson and
Josephine Cariveau, bringing the score to 9-9. In the seventh,
Gabby Tuhy walked, and after advancing on hits, Lundeen's single drove in
Maddie Johnson, securing Hamline a 10-9 win.
Defensively,
Jenna Rubbelke stood out with six assists at shortstop, while
Madisen Borek matched her from third base. Lundeen led the team in RBIs, driving in four runs with two hits, including a double.
Dana Rosbacka pitched three innings in relief, allowing just two hits and no earned runs and securing the win for the Pipers. Herbert was effective at the plate, hitting two doubles and collecting two RBIs.
The Falcons showcased several standout performances, with Caitlyn Kressel contributing two runs and a double. Hannah Effertz and Natasha Burinda each had strong showings, recording two hits and multiple RBIs.
The Pipers will return to action in Clermont, Florida tomorrow, Wednesday, March 19 against Simpson at 11:15 a.m. (ET), and Ripon at 2 p.m. (ET).
