Despite only one hit, St. Mary’s was able to defeat Gustavus and advance to the MIAC championship game. An RBI double by Cardinals catcher Amy Edge in the third inning was the difference, as Gustavus could only muster three hits.
Gustavus never seriously threatened Cardinals pitcher Jenni Schipp and her defense. Shortstop Meghan Powers paced the Gustie attack with two hits, and right fielder Kristin Kunz added the other hit for Gustavus. Gustavus could not advance a baserunner past second, and Schipp was able to strand six Gustie runners.
The only run and hit of the game occured in the third inning. Cardinals third baseman Jenni Gutterman led the inning off reaching on an error by Gustie shortstop Meghan Powers. Gutterman would then steal second, and later score on an RBI double by Amy Edge, the only hit of the game. Gustie pitcher Joyce DeWitz was able to escape the rest of the jam, retiring Nikki Jung and Amy Lang in order.
DeWitz completed six innings of work, striking out two and walking five; she also stranded seven St. Mary’s baserunners, giving up only one hit and one unearned run. DeWitz was name to the 2005 MIAC Sotball All-Tournament Team
St. Mary’s pitcher Jenni Schipp gave up three hits, stranded six Gustie baserunners, struck out three and walked only two batters.
With the loss, Gustavus moves to 27-16, and is eliminated from the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament.
St. Mary’s improved their mark to 34-9, and advanced to the championship game to play St. Thomas. That game will be played at 3:30 pm on Saturday afternoon at Bethel University.
Along with DeWitz, Gustavus second baseman Julie Mahre and right fielder Kristin Kunz were also named to the 2005 MIAC Softball All-Tournament Team.