SAINT PETER, Minn. – Gustavus Adolphus secured victories over the Hamline University softball team in two closely contested games in St. Peter, Minnesota, winning both games 6-5 and 4-2.
The Pipers fall to 11-13, 1-5 MIAC, while the Gusties improve to 14-10, 4-2 MIAC.
Gustavus 6, Hamline 5 (Game One)
Hamline began strong, capitalizing on a Gusties' fielding error in the first inning.
Abigail Chamernick and
Jenna Rubbelke both reached base with singles, while
Savannah Johnson's reach on error led to two unearned runs.
Abbey Herbert then added a single to center field, bringing in Johnson for a third unearned run, giving the Pipers an early 3-0 lead. Chamernick continued her strong performance in the fourth inning, delivering a crucial single to left field, driving in two more runs to increase Hamline's lead to 5-0.
However, the Gusties responded with a significant rally in the bottom of the fourth, scoring four runs to close the gap to 5-4. They added another run in the fifth inning with Lauren Lambert's RBI double, leveling the score at 5-5. The seventh inning saw a pivotal moment when Olson homered to right center, giving the Gusties the 6-5 lead.
Chamernick showcased a standout performance for Hamline, hitting a perfect 3-for-3 and driving in two runs, while also drawing a walk and stealing a base. Rubbelke contributed with two hits in four at-bats and scored a run, demonstrating solid defensive skills with three assists and one double play. Herbert added offensive support with one hit and an RBI, although she grounded into a double play.
Natalee Boelk pitched 3 innings, giving up three hits and two runs, with only one earned run, while walking two batters.
Montana Miller took the loss, allowing six hits and four runs, with two earned runs over three innings.
The Gusties were led by Kayla Herda, who contributed three RBIs and a double, while Carly Olson hit a home run and added two hits along with an RBI. Lauren Lambert contributed with a double, two walks, and an RBI, scoring once. On the pitching side, Maizie Anderson provided a strong relief appearance, pitching one inning without allowing a hit and striking out one batter.
Gustavus 4, Hamline 2 (Game Two)
Hamline's offense started strong as
Elena Martinez singled and stole second base before
Savannah Johnson's single brought her home, giving the Pipers an early lead. However, the Gusties quickly countered with two runs, leading 2-1 after the first inning. During the third inning,
Savannah Johnson walked and advanced to third on an error, setting up
Josephine Cariveau's RBI single that tied the game at 2-2. The Gusties regained control with two more runs in the bottom of the inning, moving ahead 4-2.
Both teams were held scoreless in the subsequent innings, with Hamline unable to muster additional runs despite a few base hits. The Pipers' pitching staff managed to keep the Gusties from increasing their lead, demonstrating strong defensive play. The game concluded with a 4-2 victory for the Gusties.
Martinez stood out with a run scored, a hit, and a stolen base, showcasing versatility in both offense and fielding with four putouts from center field. Johnson contributed significantly by scoring a run, hitting safely once, and driving in a run while also drawing a walk and stealing a base. On the mound,
Dana Rosbacka delivered a notable performance, pitching three innings over two appearances, allowing no runs and only three hits.
Allison Boynton started for Hamline, pitching 3 innings and allowing four earned runs on seven hits, while striking out two batters. Rosbacka entered in relief, pitching 3 scoreless innings and allowing only three hits. The Gusties were led by Greta Dahlen, who went 3-for-3 and scored two runs, while Lauren Lambert had three RBIs, including a double. Caitlin Olafsson also made her presence felt, going 2-for-3 and driving in one run. Maizie Anderson delivered a complete game, allowing six hits and two earned runs over seven innings while striking out five, securing the victory for the team.
The Pipers will travel to Concordia (Minn.) (DH) on Saturday, April 12 for a 1 p.m. start.