Fastpitch softball lose slugfests with St. Catherine

The Pipers (8-8, 2-6 in the MIAC) got three-run homers from Sara Mickelson in both games, but could not find an answer for the St. Catherine attack.

In game one, the Wildcats (10-10, 6-2) scored seven times in the bottom of the first inning to put the Pipers in chase mode. St. Catherine was playing as the home team despite playing at Helen Meredith Field because of poor field conditions.

St. Catherine brought 13 batters to the plate in the inning.

The Pipers would score three runs in both the second and sixth inning to cut the lead to 10-9, but Hamline could not tie the game.

Senior Rachael Young was 3-for-4 at the plate with two RBIs and two runs scored. Jourdan Ulrich, Grace Weinreich, Kristina Hedberg, and Holly Wiborg all had two hits of the Pipers' 14 hits in the contest.

Kelly Walentiny had three base hits for the Wildcats, who had 15 in the contest.

Hamline pitcher Theresa Boleen struck out four and walked three in the loss. Jessica Lewandoski fanned eight and walked four in the win.

In game two, the Wildcats scored nine times in the first two innings to take a commanding lead.

Mickelson would add her second three-run homer in the third inning to help cut the lead to 9-6, but St. Catherine would score three in the fourth and four in the fourth.

Nicole Donofri was 3-for-4 in the game with three runs scored and four RBIs. She allowed added a home run. Sheila Dowling and Shannon Bagwill aeach added three hits.

Young and Katie Prasek each had two hits for Hamline.

Boleen took the loss, allowing six earned runs in two innings of work. Kayla Schmidt earned the win for St. Catherine.

The Pipers will play St. Benedict Saturday afternoon in St. Joseph. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m.