SAINT PETER, Minn. — The Gustavus softball team put together a strong defensive performance against St. Catherine in the opening round of the MIAC Playoffs, defeating the Wildcats 4-1 to advance to the semifinals. The Gusties scored all four of their runs in the first three innings of the game, and held the Wildcats to just one in the fifth for the playoff victory.
A bases-loaded walk in the first inning scored the first Gustie run. Kayla Herda (So., Farmington) singled and stole second before three straight walks from the Wildcat pitcher, giving the Gusties an early advantage. Kate Murray (Sr., Chanhassen) led the charge for the Gusties’ second run, as she plated a deep triple to center field in the second inning. Madi Mueller (Jr., North Mankato) sent a sacrifice fly to center field to score Murray for a 2-0 lead.
The Gusties added their final two runs in the third inning, as Caitlin Olafsson (Fy., Woodbury) reached on a Wildcat error to lead off the inning. Olivia Guggenberger (Fy., Rosemount) got her second walk of the day in the third to put two on the corners for Greta Dahlen (So., West Des Moines, Iowa). Dahlen sent a 2-RBI single to left to score both Olafsson and Guggenberger for the final Gustie runs of the day.
Piper Otto (Jr., Brooklyn Park) was impressive in the circle, posting a no-hitter for the first four innings. Otto allowed her only run against in the fifth on an RBI single up the middle, but took care of business for the remainder of the game. Otto finished with one run on four hits, striking out a total of six batters of 25 faced in the complete game victory.
Herda finished the day 3-for-4 with a run to lead the Gusties at the plate, while Murray, Dahlen, and Lauren Lambert (Fy., Woodbury) accounted for the other three Gustie hits.
The win sends the Gusties to the MIAC Playoff semifinals, where they will face the No. 1 seed Bethel with first pitch set for 11 a.m. Saturday in Arden Hills. The Gusties were swept by the MIAC Champion Royals earlier in the season by scores of 1-0 and 4-2.