ST. PAUL, MINN. – St. Catherine (13-15) secured two wins over the Hamline University softball team (12-16) at Meredith Field on Sunday, first defeating the Pipers 4-2, and then edging them out 2-1 (8 innings) in game two.

The Pipers fall to 12-16, 2-8 MIAC, while the Wildcats improve to 13-15, 5-5 MIAC.

St. Catherine 4, Hamline 2 (Game One)

Hamline opened with a strong start, as Abigail Chamernic scored following a single by Jenna Rubbelke, giving the Pipers a 1-0 lead at the end of the first inning. They extended their lead in the third inning when Savannah Johnson scored on a single by Josephine Cariveau, putting Hamline ahead 2-0. However, St. Catherine responded in the fourth inning with a decisive three-run rally, taking a 3-2 lead through strategic base running and hitting. They added another run in the fifth inning with a solo home run by Grace Swigart, increasing their lead to 4-2. Despite some late opportunities, Hamline was unable to score in the remaining innings, with both teams recording eight hits.

Rubbelke led the Pipers with a standout performance at shortstop, recording three hits and one RBI while adding a stolen base. She also contributed defensively with four assists. Elena Martinez, playing center field, getting on base with a hit and a walk, and successfully advancing a runner. Gabby Tuhy, matched Martinez contributed one hit and reached base with a hit by pitch. In the pitching circle, Montana Miller made a notable relief appearance, pitching 2 2/3 innings without allowing a hit or a run, while retiring all seven batters faced on flyouts.

Natalee Boelk pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing eight hits and one walk with three earned runs. She faced 22 batters, striking out one and giving up a home run and a double. In contrast, Miller's relief performance maintained a clean sheet in runs and earned runs.

St. Catherine 2, Hamline 1 (8 innings)

In the second game, both teams faced off in a closely contested matchup. In the fifth inning, the Pipers managed to break the scoreless tie when Gabby Tuhy singled to right field and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Madisen Borek. Allison Boynton then reached first on an error, allowing Tuhy to score the first run of the game, putting Hamline ahead 1–0. However, St. Catherine quickly responded in the sixth inning. An error allowed Helen McKinnon to reach base, and Lucy Mansell followed with a single. Faith Bonse added an RBI single, driving in McKinnon to tie the game at 1–1. 

St. Catherine took the lead in the eighth inning after Sydeny Colbert was placed on second and advanced to third on a groundout. Grace Swigart then singled to left field, bringing Colbert home for a 2–1 lead, which secured the victory for the Wildcats.

Savannah Johnson led the Pipers in this game with two hits. Josephine Cariveau contributed defensively with four assists, leading the team in that category. On the mound, Boynton pitched a complete game, allowing eight hits while striking out three batters over eight innings. Tuhy also made an impact at first base, recording one hit and scoring a run.

For St. Catherine, Bonse showcased her offensive skill with three hits, including a double, and drove in one run. Defensively, she contributed with four assists from third base, while Alexa Carlstrom excelled on the mound, pitching a complete game and allowing no earned runs over eight innings. Additionally, McKinnon excelled defensively at shortstop with four assists, and Swigart contributed both offensively and defensively with one hit, one RBI, and a walk. 

The Pipers will host St. Scholastica (DH) on Wednesday, April 16 at 3:30 p.m.