MANKATO, Minn. -- The Augsburg University softball team opened its 2026 season at the Bethany Lutheran Dome Games on Saturday, falling to Crown (Minn.) 12-8 and then to Bethany Lutheran College by a score of 11-3 in 6 innings.
THE BASICS
SCORES: Crown 12, Augsburg 8; Bethany Lutheran 11, Augsburg 3 (6 inn.)
LOCATION: Maverick All-Sports Dome, Mankato, Minn.
RECORD: Augsburg 0-2 overall
CROWN GAME RECAP
In the first game against Crown, the Auggies held an early lead, scoring four runs in the first inning. However, a late eight-run surge in the sixth inning by the Polars secured the win for Crown.
Zoe Adkins pitched 5 innings, allowing 7 runs on 5 hits, with 9 walks and 3 strikeouts. Adkins faced 28 batters and recorded a WHIP of 2.80, issuing 4 wild pitches during the outing.
Nikolina Opp relieved Adkins and pitched 2 innings, surrendering 5 runs on 4 hits, with 2 walks and 3 hit batters, resulting in a WHIP of 3.00.
The Auggies had a strong offensive start, with
Lola Pilon recording two hits and driving in two runs.
Mckenna Haug also tallied two RBI, adding to the scoring efforts with two doubles in the game.
Teron Ormond-Miller showcased consistency at the plate with three hits, while
Kayla Shaffer scored three runs, capitalizing on opportunities on base. Despite additional scoring in the fifth inning, Augsburg's offense couldn't counter Crown's late-game surge.
Crown seized control in the sixth inning with a decisive eight-run rally, overcoming a four-run deficit. Emmy Romportl's triple to right center drove in three runs, capitalizing on a fielding error and walks that loaded the bases. Itzel Valles then doubled down the left field line, bringing in two more runs to solidify Crown's lead.
AUGSBURG TOP PERFORMERS VS. CROWN:
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Lola Pilon: 2 hits, 2 RBI, 1 run
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Mckenna Haug: 2 doubles, 2 RBI, 1 run
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Kayla Shaffer: 3 runs, 2 walks, 1 hit
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Teron Ormond-Miller: 3 hits, 1 RBI
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Evelyn Schmidt: 1 run, 1 hit, 2 walks
BETHANY LUTHERAN GAME RECAP
Bethany Lutheran scored six runs in the first inning, setting the pace for the game, while Augsburg's offense managed five hits, including a home run.
Brooke Laier pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing 12 hits and recording one strikeout, while issuing five walks and hitting one batter.
Lola Pilon delivered a strong offensive performance against Bethany Lutheran, recording a home run while contributing one RBI and scoring once. N. Opp showcased versatility by scoring two runs and drawing a walk along with a hit by pitch.
Teron Ormond-Miller reached base twice and added two hits.
Maddalyn Deal contributed to the scoring with one RBI and added a hit and a walk to her tally.
Bethany Lutheran took control early with a six-run first inning, capitalizing on a series of errors and timely hits. A three-RBI double by Orla Keys extended their lead. Despite opportunities to respond, the Auggies struggled to capitalize on multiple chances, leaving runners stranded.
AUGSBURG TOP PERFORMERS VS. BETHANY LUTHERAN:
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Lola Pilon: 1 home run, 2 walks
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Nikolina Opp: 2 runs, 1 walk, 1 hit by pitch
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Teron Ormond-Miller: 2 hits, 1 walk
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Maddalyn Deal: 1 hit, 1 RBI, 1 walk
UP NEXT
• Looking ahead, the Auggies will face the University of Wisconsin-River Falls on Friday, Feb. 27, at 4 p.m. at Edor Nelson Field in Minneapolis.
