LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – After getting shutout in the first of two at the University of Saint Mary on Monday (Feb. 21), the Concordia University Softball team rebounded with nine hits in game two and emerged with a doubleheader split. The action took place at USM Softball Field in Leavenworth, Kan., where the Bulldogs fell, 3-0, and then won, 6-1. Freshman Kylie Shottenkirk stayed hot at the plate and Jerzi Rowe fired a masterpiece in the game two victory.
Head Coach Tatum Edwards’ squad opened the season on Sunday by splitting a twin bill at Benedictine College (Kan.). Concordia is 2-2 while breaking in a new-look lineup in 2022.
This was a significant confidence booster for Rowe, who covered all seven innings of game two and allowed just a single unearned run on three hits and three walks. The defense did solid work behind her as 10 outs were recorded on groundouts and eight were put away via flyouts. A Gretna, Neb., native, Rowe held the Spires scoreless over the game’s final six innings.
The offensive attack got going in game two with the help of three Concordia players who collected two hits apiece: Lexi Campos (2-for-3, double, two RBIs), Camry Moore (2-for-4, run, two RBIs) and Shottenkirk (2-for-4, run, double, RBI). In addition, Kylee Nixon tripled and scored a run. The Bulldogs turned a 2-1 lead into a comfortable margin by putting one run on the board in the fifth, two in the sixth and one in the seventh.
That production was a contrast from game one. Saint Mary pitcher Mariela Tinoco tossed a three-hit shutout in which she recorded only one strikeout. She was able to out-duel Concordia ace Camry Moore, although she was solid in surrendering just two earned runs on five hits and no walks. More fanned five hitters. The Spires (4-4) got the only runs they needed in the third inning.
At the plate, the lone Bulldog hits in game one were registered by Zoie Isom (single), Nixon (double) and Shottenkirk (single). A Lincoln North Star High School alum, Shottenkirk has gone 7-for-12 with four walks over the first four games of her collegiate career. Meanwhile, Moore has started this season 8-for-15 in the box.
The Bulldogs are scheduled to host Mayville State University (N.D.) for a four-game series this Friday and Saturday. Should the weather be an obstacle, Concordia will explore other options for playing this weekend. The Friends Invitational is also coming up March 4-5.