WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — The Gusties finished their final day of competition in Florida with a split, falling to Colby College 5-4 before erupting for 12 runs in a 12-4 victory over Westminster.
Gustavus 4, Colby 5 | BOX SCORE
Colby held a 5-0 lead over the Gusties, scoring two runs in the third inning and three in the fifth before the Gusties were able to get on the board. A late push from Gustavus nearly brought them within reach of the Mules, but it wouldn’t be enough to complete the comeback.
The Gusties scored one in the sixth, as Rachel Kawiecki (So., Richfield) reached on an error and eventually scored, thanks to back-to-back singles from Izzy Reuvers (Jr., Medford) and Lauren Lambert (Fy., Woodbury), and Carly Nelson (Fy., Lake Crystal) reaching first on a fielder’s choice.
The Gusties managed four hits in their final inning against the Mules, scoring three times. After singles from Kayla Herda (So., Farmington), Caitlin Olafsson (Fy., Woodbury), and Kawiecki, Lambert walked to score Herda. With the bases loaded, Reuvers picked up an RBI single. Greta Dahlen (So., West Des Moines, Iowa) reached on a fielder’s choice, scoring the fourth and final run of the day.
Piper Otto (Jr., Brooklyn Park) pitched five innings, allowing five runs on five hits. Otto struck out four and was followed on the mound by Maizie Anderson (Fy., Rosemount) who pitched two innings, allowing only one hit and striking out four.
Gustavus 12, Westminster 4
The Gustie offense wanted to leave nothing to chance against the Blue Jays, scoring in five of seven innings, including a four-run third.
Herda was impressive at the plate, going 3-for-4, picking up three runs, and adding an RBI in the game. Olafsson also added three of the Gusties’ 13 hits, while Katelyn Kasper (Fy., Maple Grove) and Olivia Guggenberger (Fy., Rosemount) each tallied two of their own. Behind Herda, Guggenberger and Kate Murray (Sr., Chanhassen) each added two runs of their own.
Marah Hulke (Fy., Courtland) and Chloe Smallfield (So., Papillion, Neb.) shared time on the mound, allowing eight hits in the game and combining for eight strikeouts, four each.
The Gusties head back north to prepare for their MIAC opening weekend starting April 1, hosting Augsburg on Saturday and Carleton the following day.