Chicago, Ill. – Following a string of cancellations over the weekend, the Concordia University Chicago softball team took on a non-conference doubleheader against North Park University. CUC split the day, falling in the first game 7-4 and winning the second 9-0.
Inside the Box
GAME ONE
In their first game of the day the Cougars struggled to get the bats going, remaining scoreless for the first two innings. Finally, in the third inning a bunt laid down by
Tegan Oas (Shingle Springs, Calif.) allowed
Sydney Sterrett (Lafayette, Ind.) to score. Looking to add another run in the inning, Oas stole second and third, putting her in prime scoring position. Following two infield grounders, Oas was left on base and left the score tied at one apiece.
With the Vikings retaliating in the next inning, the Cougars quickly fell behind 5-1. In the top of the sixth inning, the Cougars found their groove and a huge triple from DeGeorge would send
Gina Westphal (Elmhurst, Ill.) home. Another triple, this time from
Hailey Howard (Machesney Park, Ill.), would send DeGeorge home. Following the back-to-back triples
Sydney Paulauskis-Lauher (Chatham, Ill.) stepped up to the plate and dropped a ball to right center, sending Howard home to bring the score up to 5-4.
After tightening the Viking lead, the Cougars gave up two more runs in the bottom of the sixth creating a three run deficit they wouldn't be able to overcome.
GAME TWO
The second game of the day told a familiar story in the beginning after a quick three outs put the Cougars in the defensive position. Taking the field for game two however, proved to be the difference this time around. With
Ashley Shroll (Tampa, Fla.) inside the circle for the Cougars, she quickly ended the inning not allowing a hit.
The second inning further proved to be a difference maker as the Cougars put up five runs in the inning. A double to right center from Pieroni sent Howard and
Annabella Archuletta (Pueblo, Colo.) home to put up the first runs of the game. Shortly after, a double from Geng would send Pieroni home. Adding another hit to the inning, Sterrett sent a ball to left field resulting in another run scored.
After a few innings with a stagnant score, the bats got hot yet again in the top of the fifth. A double from DeGeorge put her on base with her third hit of the day. With a sacrifice fly from
Kallie Tierney (Corona, Calif.), Howard scored bringing the score to 8-0. Another hit to right field from Geng would send Pieroni home, scoring their final run of the game. Closing out the bottom of the fifth inning with a strikeout, the Cougars ended the game 9-0.
The Cougars take the field again on Saturday as they head up North for a doubleheader against St. Norbert scheduled to start at noon. Coverage can be found at
cucougars.com/coverage.
