MINNEAPOLIS -- The Augsburg University softball team faced a challenging Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader against St. Olaf College on Sundayat Edor Nelson Field, falling 7-0 in the first game and 11-3 in five innings in the second.

THE BASICS
SCORES: St. Olaf 7, Augsburg 0; St. Olaf 11, Augsburg 3 (5 inn.)
LOCATION: Edor Nelson Field, Minneapolis
RECORD: Augsburg 7-18 overall (2-7 MIAC), St. Olaf 11-11 overall (4-2 MIAC)

GAME 1 RECAP
In game 1, the Auggies managed only four hits and were shut out by the Oles' pitching. Brooke Laier pitched a complete game, covering all 7 innings, despite allowing 13 hits and 7 earned runs. She issued 2 walks and struck out 3 batters, throwing a total of 143 pitches, with 84 of them being strikes. Lola Pilon led Augsburg with two hits, while Kayla Shaffer reached base twice with two walks. Jaime Olson also contributed with a hit.

St. Olaf seized control in the third inning, scoring four runs to extend their lead to 5-0. Key moments included a triple by Regan Zak, followed by a fielder's choice and a timely single up the middle by Hannah Yaeger, driving in two runs. Rylan Nakamura capped the rally with a two-RBI single to left, setting the tone for the remainder of the game. Augsburg struggled to capitalize on offensive opportunities, leaving runners on base in the fourth inning.

GAME 2 RECAP
In game 2, the Auggies initially took a three-run lead in the first inning, but the Oles responded with a powerful offensive display, scoring 11 runs over five innings. Nikolina Opp pitched a complete game for Augsburg, allowing 12 hits and 11 runs, issuing 2 walks and hitting one batter, while striking out none. She threw 93 pitches, with 54 strikes. Jayden Evenson showcased Augsburg's offensive presence with a hit and a run scored. Kayla Shaffer drove in one run with a double and also drew a walk, while Mckenna Haug added to the scoring effort with a hit and an RBI.

St. Olaf set the tone early with a five-run first inning, highlighted by Elle Brandt's three-run homer to left field. Augsburg capitalized on the Oles' pitching struggles, scoring three runs in the bottom half, thanks to Evenson's leadoff walk and contributions from Pilon, Shaffer, and Haug.

As the game progressed, Augsburg struggled to regain momentum. The Oles continued to extend their lead, with Brandt's two-RBI double in the third inning. Augsburg's offensive opportunities dwindled despite a double from Kayla Shaffer.

UP NEXT
Looking ahead, Augsburg will host the College of Saint Benedict in an MIAC doubleheader on Wednesday, April 15 at 3:30 p.m., at Edor Nelson Field in Minneapolis.