ROCHESTER, MINN.--The Hamline University softball team participated in day two of the Rochester Dome Games on Sunday, when they fell to UW-La Crosse 6-3 and defeated UW-River Falls 4-3.
The Pipers move to 3-3 following the split.
UW-La Crosse 6, Hamline 3 (Game One)
The Eagles took a 1-0 second-inning lead before Hamline capitalized on an error in the third inning to score their first run.
Mikenna Johnson singled and advanced to second on an error by the right fielder.
Jenna Rubbelke then reached on another error, allowing
Mikenna Johnson to score an unearned run, tying the game at 1-1.
By the fifth inning, UW-La Crosse had taken a 5-1 lead, but Hamline narrowed the deficit when
Maddie Johnson walked and advanced to second before stealing third.
Elena Martinez reached on an error, bringing
Maddie Johnson home to score another unearned run, making it 5-2. In the sixth inning, La Crosse widened their advantage to 6-2 off Lindsay Steien's home run.
Natalynn Lundeen singled and advanced to second on a groundout.
Josephine Cariveau then delivered a single to center field, earning an RBI as Lundeen scored, adjusting the score to 6-3.
Throughout the game, Hamline collected six hits and benefited from four errors by UW-La Crosse, leaving five runners on base.
Abbey Herbert led Hamline with a strong performance at the plate, going 2-for-3.
Natalynn Lundeen contributed significantly with a run scored and a stolen base, while
Gabby Tuhy excelled defensively at second base with four assists.
Josephine Cariveau also made an impact offensively, driving in one run with two hits in three at-bats.
Allison Boynton pitched five innings, allowing three earned runs on 11 hits, while
Montana Miller contributed two innings of relief, giving up three hits and one earned run, which came off a home run.
Hamline 4, UW-River Falls 3 (Game Two)
The Falcons took an early lead in the second inning with a run scored by Kayla Dolan, who advanced on a groundout and was brought home by Tessa Peterson's single to center field.
Hamline responded powerfully in the third inning when
Maddie Johnson initiated the scoring with a double and eventually crossed the plate due to a series of plays, including a passed ball. The frame was highlighted by
Abbey Herbert's three-run home run, driving in
Jenna Rubbelke and
Allison Boynton, giving the Pipers a 4-1 lead. In the fourth inning, the Falcons narrowed the gap when Kayla Dolan scored again, making the score 4-2 in favor of the Pipers.
The sixth inning saw UW-River Falls close in further with Kelly Aultman's solo home run to left center, bringing the score to 4-3. Despite this, Hamline's defense held strong in the final inning, securing the win with no further runs allowed.
Abbey Herbert led the Pipers, driving in three runs on a home run.
Natalee Boelk earned the win in the circle, pitching 6 1/3 innings, allowing only two earned runs while striking out four batters.
The Falcons showcased strong performances from key players, with Tessa Peterson going 3-for-3 and driving in two runs, while Kelly Aultman contributed a home run and one RBI. Kayla Dolan also made a notable impact, hitting 2-for-3 with a double and scoring two runs. Lindsey Duggan delivered a stellar relief performance, pitching three innings without allowing a hit or a run.
The Pipers will return to action on Tuesday, March 18 in Clermont, Florida against UW-Stout at 2 p.m. (ET), and UW-River Falls at 4:30 p.m. (ET).
