ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Hamline University softball team split a pair of games with Minnesota-Morris as they won game one 7-2, and fell 5-3 in game two.
The Pipers move to 10-10, while the Cougars end the day with a 9-17 mark.
Hamline 7, Minnesota Morris 2 (Game One)
Hamline took an early lead as
Abigail Chamernick doubled in the first inning and scored on an error by the second baseman, making it 1-0. They extended their cushion in the second inning with two more runs, as
Natalynn Lundeen walked and scored on another error, followed by
Madisen Borek crossing home on Chamernick's RBI single. The Pipers continued their offensive push in the third frame, with
Abbey Herbert,
Savannah Johnson, and
Josephine Cariveau all contributing singles. Lundeen and Borek drove in runs, giving Hamline a commanding 6-0 lead.
The Cougars responded in the fourth inning, scoring two unearned runs to narrow the gap to 6-2. However, Hamline's defense remained strong, and in the fifth inning,
Maddie Johnson scored on a single by Chamernick, increasing the lead to 7-2. The game concluded with solid defense from the Pipers, who did not allow any further scoring from the Cougars.
Chamernick shone with a performance of 3-for-4, including a double, two RBIs, and two stolen bases.
Dana Rosbacka delivered a strong pitching outing, allowing no earned runs over four innings, striking out one batter. Borek also contributed both offensively and defensively, going 1-for-3 with two RBIs and achieving four assists from third base.
Minnesota Morris 5, Hamline 3 (Game Two)
In contrast, the second game saw the Cougars use a decisive five-run fourth inning to defeat the Pipers 5-3. After a scoreless opening frame, Hamline's
Abbey Herbert drew a walk in the second, but couldn't capitalize. In the third inning, Hamline took the lead with two runs, as
Reese Herrig singled and advanced on sacrifice bunts, allowing
Jenna Rubbelke and Chamernick to score, putting the Pipers ahead 2-0.
The fourth inning proved pivotal for the Cougars, who scored five runs, with Isabelle Derhak stealing home and Sierra Stevens hitting a two-RBI single. The Cougars led 5-2 after the fourth. The Pipers fought back in the sixth inning, narrowing the gap to 5-3 when
Elena Martinez singled to bring
Mikenna Johnson home.
Rubbelke stood out for the Pipers, recording two hits and one RBI, while Herbert also excelled with two hits and a walk. Chamernick contributed with two hits and one RBI.
Natalee Boelk allowed five earned runs over four innings while striking out five batters.
Montana Miller provided relief, pitching three innings with no earned runs allowed.
For the Cougars, Stevens delivered a standout performance with two RBIs and two hits. Morgan Wilhelm pitched a complete game, striking out one. Taylor Johnson showcased her defensive skills with five assists, while Kendra Schmitz added to the offensive efforts with a run and a stolen base.
The Pipers will travel to Macalester (DH) on Tuesday, April 8 for a 3:30 p.m. start.
