St. Mary’s pitcher Jenny Schipp (21-4) struck out six, walked none and scattered six hits in the complete game six-hitter. The Cardinals’ three run first inning was enough to advance them to the second round as Gustavus’ bats could not get going.
The Cardinals used five straight hits in the bottom of the first to take an early and decisive lead. After doubling and then scoring on a pass ball, Schipp scored what turned out to be the winning run. Later in the first inning right fielder Nikki Jung and center fielder Amy Lang contributed RBI singles.
Gustie pitcher Joyce DeWitz gave up only three hits after her shaky first inning, striking out eight and walking three in six inning of work.
Second baseman Julie Mahre, first baseman Audrey Lenoch, and catcher Abby Bernstein all had two hits for Gustavus, but the Gusties could not manufacture any runs in the loss.
Cardinals shortstop Mandy Tschernach and Schipp had two hits each for the Cardinals as they moved on to face St. Thomas in the second round.
With the loss, Gustavus was matched up against Hamline, who had lost to St. Thomas.