MINNEAPOLIS -- The Augsburg University softball team split its Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference-opening doubleheader against Hamline University on Monday at Edor Nelson Field, securing a narrow 4–3 victory in the first game before falling 12–2 in five innings in the second.

THE BASICS
SCORES: Augsburg 4, Hamline 3; Hamline 12, Augsburg 2 (5 inn.)
LOCATION: Edor Nelson Field, Minneapolis
RECORD: Augsburg 6-12 overall (1-1 MIAC), Hamline 3-13 overall (1-1 MIAC)

GAME 1 RECAP
In the first game, Augsburg clinched the win with a decisive two-run seventh inning, overcoming Hamline's early lead. Brooke Laier delivered a complete game performance for the Auggies, pitching all 7 innings and allowing only 1 earned run. She faced 31 batters, giving up 6 hits and 4 walks while striking out 5. Laier threw a total of 111 pitches, with 67 of them being strikes, and maintained a WHIP of 1.43. Despite encountering challenging situations, she effectively limited the scoring opportunities, demonstrating strong control and composure on the mound.

Lola Pilon posted two hits and drove in two runs, including a double, contributing significantly to the scoring effort. Mckenna Haug finished with three hits, including a double, and added one RBI to her performance. Jayden Evenson scored two runs while also recording a hit.

In a tense seventh inning, the Auggies secured a victory over Hamline with a decisive two-run rally. Evenson initiated the comeback with a bunt single and advanced to third on Jaime Olson's single. Pilon then delivered a crucial double to right field, driving in Evenson and moving Olson to third. Augsburg capitalized further with Aleia Johnston's sacrifice fly, bringing home Olson for the winning run.

Earlier in the game, Augsburg's offense tied the score in the third inning when Pilon drove in Evenson with a single. In the fourth inning, Haug's RBI double to right center plated Johnston, giving the Auggies a temporary lead. Despite Hamline's pressure, Augsburg's defense held firm, including key plays such as Paityn Pagenkopf's sacrifice bunt that advanced a runner into scoring position. The Auggies' ability to capitalize on these pivotal moments sealed the narrow win.

GAME 2 RECAP
In the second game, Augsburg struggled to keep pace with Hamline, falling to the Pipers with a final score of 12–2 in six innings. The Auggies managed seven hits, including two doubles, but were unable to overcome an early six-run deficit in the first inning. Zoe Adkins pitched a complete game for the Auggies, covering six innings while throwing 141 pitches, 65 of which were strikes. Adkins allowed 10 hits and 12 runs, 11 of which were earned, while walking 10 batters and striking out one. Despite the high number of walks, Adkins managed to induce 10 groundouts and 7 flyouts. Her performance included issuing three wild pitches and conceding three doubles.

Lola Pilon led the scoring effort with two runs and two hits, including a double, resulting in a 1.667 OPS. Kayla Shaffer posted a perfect performance at the plate with three hits in three at-bats, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output. Aleia Johnston recorded two hits and drove in one run with a double, showcasing her ability to deliver under pressure. 

Hamline seized control early with a decisive six-run first inning. This surge was fueled by Josephine Cariveau's two-RBI double and a sequence of walks that allowed the Pipers to build a solid lead. Augsburg's offense showed resilience in the fourth inning when Johnston's double to right field brought in a run, narrowing the gap slightly. Despite efforts from Shaffer and Olivia Grefe's sacrifice fly in the sixth, Augsburg was unable to mount a significant comeback, as the sixth inning saw Hamline extend its lead with a five-run rally.

UP NEXT
Augsburg University's next games will take place at Saint Mary's University on Saturday, April 4, at 1 p.m. in Winona, Minn.