The Gustavus softball team posted a 2-4 record at the prestigious National Fastpitch Coaches Association’s (NFCA) Leadoff Classic this past weekend in Panama City, Florida. The Gusties posted a record of 2-1 in pool play on Friday and Saturday morning and qualified for the Gold Division bracket where they struggled with an 0-3 mark on Saturday evening and Sunday. Coach Jeff Annis and his squad will now have a couple of weeks off before it opens MIAC play at Bethel on March 31.
Gustavus opened the tournament on Friday with an 8-0 win over Ithaca College and a 5-1 loss to Mount Union and then wrapped up pool play with an 8-0 win over Methodist College. After pool play, participants in the 24-team field were divided into three eight-team brackets based on their finish in pool play. The Gusties qualified for the top bracket, the Gold Division.
Gustavus opened Gold Division play with a 8-0 loss to #2 Louisiana College on Saturday evening and then closed out the tournament on Sunday with a 4-3 loss to to Lake Forest and an 8-6 setback to Moravian.
Jenna Johnson and Jenny Ewert led the Gusties offensively at the Leadoff Classic as Johnson hit .417 with five hits in 12 at-bats and Ewert hit .412 with seven hits in 17 at-bats.
The Gusties, which entered the NFCA Leadoff Classic ranked #9 in the NFCA Division III poll, are now 5-5 overall.
Gustavus vs. Mount Union Box Score
Gustavus vs. Methodist Box Score
Gustavus vs. Louisiana College Box Score
Gustavus vs. Lake Forest Box Score