The Concordia University softball team earned a split, dropping game one 3-1 before bouncing back to take game two 7-3 against the Ottawa University Braves this past weekend in Ottawa, Kan.
In game one the Braves got on the board in the bottom of the third inning. Ottawa's Korey Higbi reached on a single and then scored on a crazy play that included two throwing errors by the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs got on the scoreboard in the top of the fifth when Laura Fugate singled, stole second, and then scored on Nicole Baker's single. The Braves answered in the bottom of the fifth with an insurance run unearned on a throwing error by the Bulldogs. All three runs scored by the Braves in game one came via errors by the Bulldogs.
Courtney Thomas was saddled with the loss for the Bulldogs in the pitching circle, throwing six complete innings and giving up seven hits and three runs, none of which were earned. Ashley Renaldi earned the win for the Braves throwing a complete game, giving up just three hits and one run (earned).
The second game saw the Bulldogs tighten up the defense, and their bats came alive. Down 2-0 heading into the top of the fourth inning, Concordia rattled off seven unanswered runs to notch the victory. They were led by the hot bats of Clarissa Eloge going 4-for-4 and Alyssa Bauwens who went 3-for-4 with four RBI.
Nicole Sempek picked up the victory for the Bulldogs, throwing seven complete innings, scattering nine hits and three runs (all unearned), striking out five and walking just one. Ali Salter was given the loss, throwing a complete game and giving up 13 hits and seven runs.
Concordia starts the season 1-1 while Ottawa drops to 1-3. The next action for the Bulldogs is this upcoming weekend as Concordia heads to the Friends University Tournament in Wichita, Kan., March 6-7.
Game 1 Box Score / Game 2 Box Score