MINNEAPOLIS -- The Augsburg University softball team faced a tough Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader against Gustavus Adolphus College at Edor Nelson Field, suffering losses of 7-0 and 11-0. In the first game, despite recording six hits, the Auggies were unable to capitalize, as the Gusties held them scoreless throughout. In the second game, Augsburg struggled even more offensively, managing only two walks and failing to score.
THE BASICS
SCORES: Gustavus 7, Augsburg 0; Gustavus 11, Augsburg 0 (5 inn.)
LOCATION: Edor Nelson Field, Minneapolis
RECORD: Augsburg 7-26 overall (2-15 MIAC), St. Olaf 17-17 overall (10-8 MIAC)
GAME 1 RECAP
Brooke Laier pitched a complete game, throwing 7 innings and totaling 168 pitches with 96 strikes. She recorded 6 strikeouts while allowing 11 hits and 3 earned runs. Laier issued 5 walks, hit 1 batter, and had 2 wild pitches during the game.
Mckenna Haug led the Auggies with two hits, while
Kayla Shaffer added a double in her one hit, and
Megan Gissler matched Haug's performance with two hits.
Gustavus took control in the third inning, capitalizing on Augsburg's defensive missteps to score four runs. A fielder's choice allowed the first run, and subsequent errors contributed to two more unearned runs, establishing a 4-0 lead that the Auggies struggled to overcome. Augsburg's best chance came in the second inning when
Kayla Shaffer doubled and advanced to third, but a double play ended the threat. In the seventh,
Mckenna Haug singled, but the Auggies could not capitalize, leaving them scoreless by the end.
GAME 2 RECAP
Nikolina Opp pitched a complete game for Augsburg, throwing 5 innings while allowing 12 hits and 11 runs, of which 8 were earned. Opp struck out one batter and issued two walks, throwing 97 pitches with 56 strikes.
Lola Pilon provided some offensive support by drawing two walks, while
Aleia Johnston faced challenges at the plate, recording two strikeouts.
The Gusties seized momentum early with a four-run first inning, capitalizing on a dropped fly ball and a sacrifice fly. Caitlin Olafsson and Lauren Lambert each contributed singles, setting the stage for an RBI single by Hailey Petzel and an RBI by Olivia Guggenberger. In the fourth inning, Augsburg allowed another four runs, highlighted by a two-run homer from Madison Westover, further extending the Gusties' lead. Despite several opportunities to shift the game's momentum, Augsburg was unable to capitalize, leaving runners stranded in critical moments.
UP NEXT
Augsburg University's next games will take place in a MIAC doubleheader against Bethel University on Wednesday, April 29, at 3:30 p.m. in Arden Hills, Minn.
