The St. Olaf softball team recorded two strong performances to record their first wins of the season on April 11 against College of St. Catherine on Mabel Shirley Field. The Oles cruised to a 9-1 victory in game one and, despite facing a more challenging test in the second game of the doubleheader, proved too strong once again with a 6-3 win to complete the sweep.
The Oles started slowly in the opening game, with the Wildcats holding a 2-0 advantage through the first four innings. In search of their first win of the season, the Oles erupted with four runs in the fifth inning and three in the sixth inning to all but assure themselves of victory.
Stephanie Borndale ’16, Brooke Paradise ’17 and Afton Wolter ’16 had two hits each in the win. Borndale led the way with three runs batted in.
The Oles started more quickly in the second game, with two runs in the second inning and one in the fifth. The Oles held a 3-0 lead into the seventh inning before the Wildcats produced a valiant fight back, sending the game into extra innings after leveling the score.
Becca Walz ’16 hit a walk-off three-run homer to end the Wildcats’ chances. Haley Schrieier ’15, Woo Bandel ’16 and Alex Lebens ’16 each had two hits in the game.
The Oles’ 3-17, 3-7 MIAC next home action will be against Carleton College on April 17. The game takes on extra significance for the Oles, as the Knights currently sit level with St. Olaf, at a 3-7 MIAC record. The last time the two teams faced off, in a 2013 doubleheader, each team took home a victory.
