The Gustavus softball was eliminated from the MIAC Post-Season Tournament after suffering a 3-0 loss to Hamline and a 7-6 loss to Augsburg on Saturday afternoon in Arden Hills. Hamline and Gustavus each tallied five hits, but the Pipers received a home run from Sophie Davidson for the victory. The Gusties mounted a rally against Augsburg after trailing 6-0 in three innings, but left eight runners stranded during the game in the loss.
Hamline jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the third inning as Sophie Davidson continued to play well against the Gusties by hitting a two-run home run. Betsie Collins struggled on the mound for Gustavus as she gave up three runs on two hits in three innings, while walking four hitters and striking out five. Erin Truebenbach entered the game in relief in the fourth inning to compile seven strikeouts and one walk. However, Piper pitcher Jessalyn Weaver scattered five singles over seven innings to slow down the Gustie offense.
In the elimination game, Augsburg tallied six runs in the second inning against Callie Nelsen for a 6-0 lead. Gustavus began to chip away at the lead by scoring runs in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings. Coach Jeff Annis’ squad scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth to cut the lead to 7-6, but were unable to complete the comeback. The Gusties had several opportunities throughout the game, but left eight runners stranded. Callie Nelsen allowed seven runs on ten hits in five innings on the mound, as Erin Truebenbach allowed one hit in two innings of work. Andrea Brown led the Gusties from the plate as she went 2-for-4 with three RBI.
The Gusties, who dropped to 30-8 overall, split their previous regular season meetings with Hamline and Augsburg.
Gustavus will now have to sit and wait to see if it will receive an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. The 59-team field will be announced sometime Sunday evening at NCAAsports.com. The bracket explaining who and where each team will be playing will not be posted until Monday morning at 9 am (CST) at the same website.