CLERMONT, FLA.--On Wednesday, the Hamline University softball team faced two opponents in neutral-site games in Clermont, Florida first falling to Simpson 7-4, then bouncing back to defeat Ripon 5-1.

The Pipers move to 6-4 following the split. Simpson improves to 9-1, while Ripon falls to 1-7.

Simpson 7, Hamline 4 (Game One)

The Storm took an early lead in the first inning with three runs, highlighted by a home run from Ashlyn Steen and a triple by Katie Shaner, bringing the score to 3-0. The Pipers managed one hit in response but did not score. They narrowed the gap in the third inning as Maddie Johnson scored an unearned run after reaching third on a throwing error, followed by Jenna Rubbelke scoring on a fielder's choice by Abbey Herbert, making it 4-2.

The fifth inning saw Hamline capitalize on a fielding error when Elena Martinez reached base and scored on Jenna Rubbelke's double. However, the Storm extended their lead earlier in the inning, and the score was 7-4 after this exchange. The Pipers continued to fight in the seventh inning, with Abigail Chamernick's single up the middle, but they couldn't convert further, leaving the final score at 7-4 in favor of Simpson. Despite multiple hits, Hamline left seven runners on base throughout the game.

Jenna Rubbelke stood out defensively with four assists at shortstop and contributed offensively with three hits and one RBI. On the mound, Natalee Boelk pitched 5 innings, allowing 11 hits and six earned runs while striking out three batters. In relief, Montana Miller delivered two scoreless innings, allowing just one hit.

For Simpson, standout performers included Ashlyn Steen with one home run and one RBI, and Megan Heidelbau who led with three hits, including one double, and one RBI. Katie Shaner contributed two hits, including a double and a triple, along with one RBI.

Hamline 5, Ripon 1 (Game Two)

In the second game against Ripon, the Pipers established an early lead in the first inning by capitalizing on defensive errors from the Redhawks. Mikenna Johnson initiated the inning with a single to right field, followed by another single from Jenna Rubbelke. Runs by Rubbelke and Mikenna Johnson, including an unearned run, helped Hamline score three times, closing the inning with a 3-0 advantage. 

In the second inning, Maddie Johnson's speed led to a single and stolen base, with Mikenna Johnson hitting an RBI double to center field, bringing Maddie home and extending the lead to 4-0. Hamline continued to control the game, extending their lead in the sixth inning with Jenna Rubbelke's single and stolen base, followed by Savannah Johnson's key RBI double to right field, scoring Rubbelke and pushing the lead to 5-1.

Throughout the game, Hamline's pitching and defense limited Ripon to a single run, which occurred in the fourth inning on a passed ball. Rubbelke played an integral role with two hits, two runs, and a stolen base, while also contributing significantly on defense with five assists at shortstop. Mikenna Johnson delivered offensively with three hits, including a double, one run, and an RBI.

Allison Boynton was dominant from the mound, pitching a complete game with seven innings, surrendering no earned runs and registering four strikeouts. Elena Martinez excelled at the plate, going 3-for-3 with an RBI and a walk.

For Ripon, Maddie Heisler stood out with one hit and one stolen base, while Kayla Cruz contributed one hit. Alayna Sadowska recorded one hit in two at-bats. On the mound, Ashlynn Donahue pitched six innings, allowing three earned runs on 12 hits.

The Pipers will return to action in Clermont, Florida tomorrow, Thursday, March 20 against Edgewood at 9 a.m. (ET), and Chicago at 11:15 a.m. (ET).