The Gustavus women’s softball team opened its season with a doubleheader sweep of St. Scholastica at the Rosemount Softball Dome. The Gusties won game one, 3-1 and then claimed game two, 13-6. Sophomore shortstop Rachael Click had a big day for the Gusties as she drove in four runs with a two home runs and a double.
In game one, Rachael Click provided the offensive spark as she drove in Jessie Gabbert with a double for the Gusties first run in the third inning. Emily Klein then drove in Click with a single giving the Gusties a 2-0 lead. Click then hit a solo home run in the fifth inning giving Gustavus a 3-0 lead. Senior Joyce DeWitz turned in a strong performance on the mound as she allowed one earned run (in the top of the seventh inning) on two hits, while striking out 10 and walking one.
In game two, the Gusties used an eight-run fifth inning to claim a 13-6 win. During the big fifth inning, senior Abbie Bernstein hit a three-run home run and junior Erin Ge hit a two run home run. Gustavus hit four home runs in the second game as senior Tina Strauss hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning, and Click hit a solo home run to lead off the game. Sophomore Bree Lindenberg started the game on the mound and pitched two-and-one-third innings and then she was relieved by first year Callie Nelsen in the top of the third. Nelsen pitched two-and-a-third innings before giving way to first year Betsie Collins. Collins pitched the final two-and-one-third innings. Nelsen was the winning pitcher for the Gusties.
Coach Jeff Annis’ team will head to California this weekend to play six games in the Sun West Tournament near Los Angeles. Gustavus is currently ranked #14 in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division III poll.