SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus softball team split a key series with St. Olaf in the Gusties' final regular season home doubleheader of the season on Saturday, April 26 at the Gustie Softball Field.
St. Olaf pitcher Roxanne Ring held the Gusties (19-17, 9-9 MIAC) scoreless in game one, 3-0, and
Maizie Anderson returned the favor in the rematch, getting help from a two-run homer from
Lauren Olsen – the first of her career – in a 2-0 win for the series split.
Gustavus 0, St. Olaf 3
The Oles' only runs of the day came in the first inning of game one, scoring two on an RBI single down the left field line in their fifth at-bat of the frame. A Gustie error brought in the third, followed by a pair of outs to end the inning.
The Gusties were held to just four hits in game one, going three-up, three-down four times and 0-for-6 with runners on base. After the three-run first inning,
Ava Hamsund (So., Winona, Minn.) conceded just four hits the rest of the day, sending the Oles (20-14, 11-7 MIAC) out in three twice.
Kayla Herda (Sr., Farmington, Minn.) and
Paige Gritzmaker (Fy., Woodbury, Minn.) each went 2-for-3 at the plate to combine for all four of the Gusties' hits.
Gustavus 2, St. Olaf 0
Both Anderson (Jr., Rosemount, Minn.) and Ole pitcher Madyn Singleton dueled it out in the circle to start game two, holding the opposition scoreless until Olsen's (Fy., Chaska, Minn.) fourth inning bomb.
After an Ole error placed
Carly Olson (So., Luverne, Minn.) on first, Olsen took to the plate with two outs down in her first collegiate start. The first-year swung on pitch one, launching it deep into left field for her third career hit and first home run, the Gusties' fourth of the season.
Anderson took care of business for the rest of the game, allowing six hits in seven inning of work for the complete game victory. The junior righty allowed six free passes (five walks and a wild pitch), but struck out eight batters, half of which were caught looking.
Olsen finished 2-for-3 with a run and two RBI, while
Breck Carlson (So., North Mankato, Minn.) accounted for the third Gustie hit.
The Gusties have a quick turnaround to complete their week of competition, traveling north to face Saint Benedict tomorrow, April 27. The Gusties and Bennies (21-13, 13-5 MIAC) are set for a 1 and 3 p.m. doubleheader in St. Joseph.
