Softball opens MIAC season with split

The Pipers (7-3, 1-1 in the MIAC) trailed 1-0 after the first half inning, but rallied to tie the game in the bottom half of the inning on a Grace Weinreich home run.

Hamline took the lead for good in the bottom of the second inning when Kralich lined a triple down the right field line that rolled all the way to the fence. The two-out base hit scored Sophie Davidson and Ashley Anderberg with the go-ahead runs.

The Pipers added an insurance run in the sixth inning on a Kala Ebbe RBI single.

Weinreich had two of the Pipers' six base hits in the contest. Hamline pitcher Theresa Boleen pitched a complete game four-hitter to earn the victory. She struck out two and walked one.

The Blazers (6-8, 1-1) took a short-lived 1-0 lead in the first. After Patty Devoy tripled to open the contest, she later scored on a Molly Bodeker double.

Monica Eiden took the loss for the Blazers, allowing four runs - three earned - through six innings. She fanned 11 and walked two.

In game two, the Blazers jumped on the Pipers for three runs in the first and held on for the win. Blazer Shannon Eveland hit a two-run double for the big blow in the inning.

Hamline was held to four hits in the contest - two by catcher Ashley Anderberg.

Boleen took the loss after giving up all three runs in the first inning. First-year Rachel Roberts pitched six scoreless innings in relief to keep the Pipers close. Andrea Fahey pitched a complete game four-hitter for the win.

Hamline will host St. Thomas Saturday afternoon at Helen Meredith Field. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m.