ST. PAUL, Minn. – Much like in the opening game of the MIAC Softball Playoffs yesterday for Gustavus, the Gusties were unable to rebound after allowing a four-run inning, losing 5-3 to Hamline on Saturday in an elimination game. The Gusties finish the season 26-12 overall and finished second in the MIAC standings with a 17-5 league record.
Gustavus came out firing in the early innings taking a 3-0 advantage after the first two frames. With two outs in the first, Jena Willis (Jr., Kalispell, Mt.) singled back up the middle and scored on a double to the left-center gap by Nathalee Boissiere (Sr., Plymouth, Minn.). In the second inning, Jessica Williams (Sr., Plymouth, Minn.) singled and Addy Nelsen (Sr., Willmar, Minn.) doubled to put runners in scoring position. Jessica Neuman (So., Elk River, Minn.) came up big with a two-run single through the right side giving the Gusties a 3-0 lead.
Willis kept the Hamline bats quiet until the fifth inning where the Pipers took a 4-3 lead after four hits and an error. A double to left-center scored the first two runs, a single scored the third run, and the fourth run was plated after an error. The Pipers added an insurance run in the sixth off reliever Hannah Heacox (Jr., Stillwater, Minn.) and the score stood 5-3 for a final.
Willis suffered the loss after five innings of work. She allowed three earned runs on eight hits with two strikeouts and one walk. Heacox tossed the final two frames with one run on two hits, two strikeouts, and a walk. In her final game wearing the Black and Gold, Boissiere led the team at the plate going 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI. Boissiere finished her senior season with a team-high .360 batting average with 36 hits, 12 doubles, and 26 RBI – all best on the team.