The Gustavus softball team opened MIAC play by splitting a doubleheader with Augsburg in Minneapolis on Saturday afternoon. Augsburg defeated the Gusties 1-0 in game one, however Gustavus rallied to win game two 4-3. Audrey Lenoch went 2-for-4 at the plate in the doubleheader to lead the team. The Gusties are now 7-5 overall and 1-1 in the MIAC.
Gustavus was unable to generate any offense against Auggie hurler Shelley Harris in game one. Harris limited the Gusties to three hits in seven innings of work. Gustavus had a good opportunity in the second inning when Audrey Lenoch stroked a leadoff single, moved to second on a wild pitch and then advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Emily Klein, but the Gusties were unable to get a clutch hit and Lenoch was stranded on third base.
Augsburg scored the lone run in the game in the fifth inning when Tiffany Magnuson singled up the middle scoring Lisa Uehling from second base.
The Gusties put together a rally in the top of the seventh inning as they placed runners on second and third with two outs, however Dawn Lewis grounded out to shortstop for the final out. Joyce DeWitz turned in a fine effort on the mound for Gustavus as she allowed only two hits and did not give up an earned run in six innings of work. Mary Furlong, Audrey Lenoch, and Abby Bernstein each recorded a hit for Gustavus.
In game two, the Gusties jumped out to a 3-0 lead scoring single runs in the first, third and fourth innings. Julie Mahre scored the first run on a double steal, and Audrey Lenoch drove in Emily Klein with a two-out single for the second run in the top of the third. Dawn Lewis scored the third run in the fourth inning. Augsburg rallied to score two runs in the bottom of the fourth and then tied the game at 3-3 with a run in the bottom of the fifth.
In the top of the sixth inning, Audrey Lenoch led off with a walk and later scored what would we be the winning run on a wild pitch. Pitcher Joyce DeWitz, who relieved Bree Lindenberg with one out in the fifth inning, shut the Auggies down in the sixth and seventh innings to preserve the Gustavus victory. Lindenberg pitched well despite not getting the decision for the Gusties. She scattered three hits and allowed one earned run in four-and-one-third innings on the mound. DeWitz, who picked up the win, did not allow a hit or a run in two-and-one-third innings of work.
Gustavus, which compiled seven hits in game two, was led by Mary Furlong and Julie Mahre who recorded two hits each. Audrey Lenoch and Whitney Bartolo each drove in one run.
The Gusties are scheduled to travel to Northfield on Tuesday for a MIAC doubleheader with St. Olaf.