PELLA, Iowa – The Gustavus softball team wrapped up the Central Invite on Sunday with a doubleheader against host Central and split the games. The Gusties won the first game 6-2, but lost the second 8-0 in five innings to move to 10-6 overall.
Gustavus 6, Central 2 | BOX SCORE
Hannah Heacox (Jr., Stillwater, Minn.) pitched her second consecutive complete game, allowing two earned runs on three hits with a season-high 12 strikeouts and two walks, improving to 7-2 on the season. Heacox helped her own cause at the plate, batting 2-for-3 with a run, 3 RBI, and a walk. Kaitlyn Bicek (Sr., Northfield, Minn.) was also productive at the dish, going 2-for-4 with a run.
After three scoreless innings, Gustavus struck first with a pair of runs in the fourth. Heacox started a two-out rally with a walk. Jena Willis (Jr., Kalispell, Mt.) then reached on an error and Brooke Willemsen (Jr., Hamburg, Minn.) doubled to score both Heacox and Willis for a 2-0 advantage.
The Gusties tagged on three more runs in the fifth. Rachel Malo (Jr., Owatonna, Minn.) reached on an error and later scored on double by Emily Webb (Fy., Maple Lake, Minn.). Heacox ensued with a two-run double, giving the Black and Gold a 5-0 lead.
Central got on the board in the sixth with its two runs of the game after a pair of hits. Gustavus added an insurance run in the seventh as Bicek singled and later scored on a Heacox double.
Gustavus 0, Central 8 (5 inn.) | BOX SCORE
The Gusties were unable to figure out the pitching of Central starter Karly Olson as she gave up just one hit and struck out six in a five-inning game.
Jessica Williams (Sr., Plymouth, Minn.) suffered the loss after four and one-third innings of work. She allowed five earned runs on six hits and one walk. Willis faced four batters and allowed two earned runs on two hits and a walk.
Central scored two runs in the second inning and six in the fifth to secure the victory.
Bicek had the lone Gustie hit in the game – a single to left in the fourth inning. She batted 1-for-2.
Gustavus returns to the diamond Wednesday at Hamline. First pitch of the MIAC doubleheader is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.