Moline, Ill. – The Gustavus Adolphus softball team capped the Augustana Invitational Tournament with a pair of victories over Cornell College and St. Norbert College on Sunday at the Green Valley Sports Complex. The Gusties topped Cornell 6-0 in their opening contest, then went on to defeat St. Norbert 6-1 in their tournament finale. Gustavus finished the Augustana Invite with a record of 3-1, improving to 9-5 overall on the season.
The Gusties came our firing against Cornell in the morning game of the twin bill, scoring four runs on four hits in the top of the first inning to take a 4-0 lead after one. Kailey Morgan doubled to left center to bring across Lisa Klass, Jen Ulmen singled to center to score Morgan, and Kate Rentschler capped the scoring with a two-run home run, her first of the season, to clear the bases and give Gustavus a four-run edge.
To go along with her 1-for-3, one run and two-RBI day at the plate, Rentschler also turned in another stellar performance on the hill. The junior notched her second-straight complete-game shutout victory, allowing just two hits and striking out six in seven innings. Rentschler has not allowed a run in her last 15 innings on the mound. She is now 5-1 with an ERA of 2.37 on the year.
Brittany Brenke singled down the left field line in the top of the fourth inning to score both Lisa and Carly Klass, bringing the score to a final at 6-0.
Lisa Klass led the way at the dish with a 4-for-4, two run, one double performance. Brenke went 2-for-2 with two RBI, while Morgan, Ulmen, and Carly Klass all went 1-for-3.
Gustavus 6 def. Cornell 0 | Box Score
Gustavus was able to put runs on the scoreboard in the first inning for the second-straight game against St. Norbert later in the afternoon. An RBI single by Brittany Brenke scored Lisa Klass, and a Caitlin Whitney base hit brought home Brenke later in the inning to put the Gusties on top 2-0.
The Black and Gold broke the game open in the bottom of the fourth inning, scoring four runs on four hits. The Gusties recorded three extra base hits in the inning, including back-to-back doubles by the Klass sisters and a triple by Jen Ulmen later in the frame. Lisa Klass brought two runs across home plate with her double, while a single by Brenke and Ulmen’s triple plated Gustavus’ final two runs of the contest.
The only blemish on Gustavus pitcher Sarah Rozell’s stat line came in the top of the sixth inning when St. Norbert’s Brunette singled to score Paul. Rozell improved to 5-2 overall with the complete-game win, allowing six hits, walking five and striking out seven.
Brenke registered Gustavus’ only multiple-hit game, going 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBI. She also added a pair of stolen bases.
Gustavus 6 def. St. Norbert 1 | Box Score
The Gustavus softball team will stay on the road to face UW-La Crosse on Monday, April 2nd at 3:00 p.m. in La Crosse, Wis.