Softball clinches playoff spot with split

Hamline (20-12-1, 13-8-1 in the MIAC) clinched the fourth seed after an 8-1 win in game one and Gustavus' doubleheader sweep of St. Benedict. The Pipers will make their third appearance in the conference playoffs in the four-year history of the event.

Sophomores Grace Weinreich and Sarah Dittberner took care of the Pipers' end of the business as each homered in the team's 8-1 win. Weinreich started the scoring in the bottom of the first with her fifth home run of the year. Dittberner added a two-run bomb in the seventh to seal the win.

Third baseman Brenna Healy hit a two-run single during a four-run third inning that gave the Pipers a 5-0 lead.

Hamline pitcher Theresa Boleen (12-8) went seven strong innings, giving up one earned run on four hits. She struck out eight and walked three. Jill Reinert (9-13) took the loss for Concordia. She allowed eight runs - four earned - on seven hits while striking out 10.

Weinreich had two of the Pipers' seven base hits in the game.

In game two, the Pipers grabbed a 2-0 lead, but the Cobbers (12-18, 8-10) scored two runs in the sixth and another in the seventh to win the game.

Cobber Maddie Haroldson hit a two-out, two-run homer in the sixth to knot the game. Amanda Michaelson later scored an unearned run in the seventh to end the game.

Boleen struck out two and walked three in the loss. Erin Johnson (1-3) won for the first time of the year.

Hamline center fielder Jourdan Ulrich stole a pair of bases in the doubleheader, giving her 26 swipes on the year.

The Pipers will play at Northwestern on Monday. Game time is set for 4:00 p.m.