SAINT PAUL, MINN.--St. Olaf had a successful day against the Hamline University softball team, achieving an 8-0 (5 innings) victory in game one before edging them out 6-5 (8 innings) in game two at Meredith Field on Saturday afternoon.
The Pipers fall to 13-19, 3-11 MIAC, while the Oles improve to 17-13, 8-6 MIAC.
St. Olaf 8, Hamline 0 (5 innings) (Game One)
In game one, the Oles set the tone early, scoring four runs in the first inning. This opening frame was highlighted by a triple from Medora Rylee, driving in a run, and several stolen bases that contributed to the lead. By the end of the first inning, St. Olaf led 4-0.
Hamline's defense tightened during the second and third innings, allowing only four hits across those frames. However, the Pipers' offense managed just a single hit through the third inning. The Oles extended their lead in the fourth inning with another four-run performance, boosted by a home run from Elle Brandt and a fielding error that allowed Rylee to bring in two unearned runs. The game concluded with St. Olaf securing an 8-0 victory.
Jenna Rubbelke stood out for Hamline with a performance of 1-for-2 at the plate and three assists from shortstop.
Natalee Boelk pitched three innings, facing 17 batters and allowing five earned runs on eight hits, with three walks and no strikeouts.
Dana Rosbacka made a relief appearance, pitching two innings and allowing two hits and three runs.
St. Olaf 5, Hamline 5 (8 innings) (Game Two)
In game two, both teams opened the scoring in the first inning, with St. Olaf initially taking the lead through a double by Medora Rylee that brought in Regan Zak. The Pipers retaliated with
Jenna Rubbelke scoring on a single by
Mikenna Johnson, tying the game at 1–1. St. Olaf added another run in the second inning when Elle Brandt tripled and scored on Abby Nevin's groundout, taking a 2-1 lead.
The fourth inning saw the Oles increase their lead to 4-1, highlighted by an RBI double from Jaelyn Orth. However, Hamline responded with a strong fifth inning, scoring three runs to tie the game at 4–4.
Gabby Tuhy started the rally with a walk, later scoring on a single by
Abigail Chamernick.
Savannah Johnson then delivered a crucial hit, bringing in two more runs.
In the seventh inning, Chamernick walked and later scored on a single by
Josephine Cariveau, giving Hamline a 5–5 tie. Unfortunately for the Pipers, St. Olaf managed to score once more in the eighth inning, securing a 6-5 victory.
Chamernick led Hamline with two runs scored, while
Savannah Johnson contributed significantly with two RBIs. Cariveau was a defensive standout with five assists at third base.
Allison Boynton pitched a complete game, covering eight innings, allowing six earned runs on nine hits, with four walks and two strikeouts.
Rylee excelled at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a double, an RBI, and two walks. Nevin added a double, a walk, two runs, and an RBI. Brandt contributed with a triple and a run. On the mound, Orth pitched a complete game, logging 7.0 innings with two strikeouts while also contributing with two hits, including a double and two RBIs.
The Pipers will host Saint Benedict (DH) at Meredith Field on Tuesday, April 22 at 3:30 p.m.
