DULUTH, Minn. -- Augsburg University secured an 8-3 victory over the College of St. Scholastica on Saturday in the opener of a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference softball doubleheader on Saturday, amassing 15 hits and 8 RBIs in the contest. The Auggies' offense was bolstered by two home runs and four doubles, while its pitching staff recorded eight strikeouts over seven innings. The game was the opener of an MIAC doubleheader. The second game of the doubleheader was suspended in the bottom of the first inning due to rain, with the Saints leading 3-0. The game will be resumed at a later date.

THE BASICS
SCORES: Augsburg 8, St. Scholastica 3
LOCATION: Kenwood Field, Duluth, Minn.
RECORD: Augsburg 7-16 overall (2-5 MIAC), St. Scholastica 6-15 overall (0-5 MIAC)

GAME 1 RECAP
Brooke Laier pitched a complete game for Augsburg, throwing 7 innings against the Saints. She faced 30 batters and allowed 3 earned runs on 6 hits while striking out 8. Laier issued 4 walks and hit one batter over 127 pitches, with 77 of them being strikes. Despite the pressure, Laier maintained control throughout the game, effectively limiting the opposing team's scoring opportunities.

Lola Pilon delivered an impressive performance, recording four hits, including two doubles and a home run, while scoring three runs. Kayla Shaffer contributed significantly with two hits, one being a home run, and drove in four runs. Aleia Johnston reached base twice with two walks and scored two runs.

Augsburg seized control in the third inning, where key offensive plays set the tone for the game. Pilon doubled to right field, setting the stage for Shaffer's two-run homer, giving the Auggies the lead. Later in the inning, Megan Gissler's RBI double further extended the advantage, bringing home Johnston to cap a three-run surge.

The fourth inning saw Augsburg build on its momentum. Jaime Olson walked and Pilon followed with another double, positioning both runners for Shaffer, who delivered once more with a two-RBI double. This push expanded the Auggies' lead, creating a comfortable cushion that the Saints struggled to overcome.

A final highlight came in the seventh when Pilon hit a solo homer, adding insurance to Augsburg's lead. Despite a late double by St. Scholastica's Abigail Gooden that scored one, Augsburg's defense held firm, closing out the win effectively.

UP NEXT
Augsburg will host St. Olaf College in an MIAC doubleheader on Sunday, April 12, at 1 p.m. at Edor Nelson Field.