The Concordia University softball team moved two steps closer to clinching a regular season GPAC title with a two-game sweep over rival Doane College Tuesday night at Plum Creek Park in Seward, Neb.
In game one the Bulldogs got on the board early as senior Christy Jeppesen led off the game with a ringing single into left field. Jeppesen then advanced to second on a wild pitch, and later scored on an error by the Doane second baseman. Clarissa Eloge, who had reached on a bunt single, also came around to score on the error, giving the Bulldogs a quick 2-0 advantage.
Doane would fight back to tie the game at 2-2 in the top of the third inning but in the bottom of the inning the Bulldogs would take the lead for good. After Eloge was walked, leading off the inning, and Hellbusch grounded out, junior Charlotte Kaeding connected and sent one deep to left field that had just enough on it to clear the left field fence. The Bulldog defense held on for the 4-2 game one victory.
Senior Sarah Bergen picked up the victory for the Bulldogs in the circle, pitching a complete seven innings. Bergen only allowed two runs (both earned) on four hits. Concordia was led offensively by Kaeding and Hellbusch who each went 1-for-3 with two RBI while Bergen and junior Anne Royuk each added two hits for the Bulldogs, who tallied eight hits in the game.
Game two was a showcase of the Bulldog offense while sophomore Amanda Huckestein was able to keep the Tiger bats silent. Huckestein pitched a complete five innings, allowing only one runner to advance past second base. The Tigers were only able to scratch out four hits in the night cap.
The Bulldog offense, on the other hand, was firing on all cylinders. Concordia scored in each of the four innings they hit in, amassing 11 runs on 15 hits to win game two easily 11-0. The Bulldogs were lead by Jeppesen, (3-for-3, 3 RBI), Eloge (3-for-3), Hellbusch (1-for-3, 3 RBI), Nikki Baker (2-for-3, 2 runs scored, 2 RBI) and Laura Fugate (2-for-2, 2 runs scored, 2 RBI).
The next action for the Bulldogs comes Friday, April 25, as the Mount Marty Lancers make their way to Plum Creek Park for a 5 p.m. double header.
Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score