Concordia takes two of three in season-opening tripleheader
(Stats unavailable at time of release)
SHAWNEE, Okla. – Head coach Frank Greene’s softball squad began the 2013 campaign with a tripleheader of challenging games at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Okla., on Friday. After getting thumped 12-0 by No. 16 St. Gregory’s (Okla.) in their first game, the Bulldogs responded with an 11-5 win over Dordt and then a 6-5 confidence-boosting upset of No. 23 Bethany to close the season’s first day.
“Everybody played well at every position for us,” Greene said. “Danielle (Harstad) was very steady in her first start at shortstop with good, consistent play. I’ve got great things to say about all of them. We really saw the type of spirit we want to have in Bulldog softball.”
A Concordia offensive attack that scratched out just a single infield single in the opener against St. Gregory’s, came alive against GPAC rival Dordt in the 11-5 victory. The Bulldogs connected for a flurry of home runs on the day, including one by star senior outfielder Natalie Svoboda.
Greene was just as pleased with his team’s ability to execute its bunt attempts, something he pointed out as an area in need of improvement heading into the season.
“I’m really happy with the win over Bethany and how we beat them at their own game,” Greene said. “We got down three bunts in a row. That was something we had to work on coming into this season. That changed the whole perspective of the game.”
Greene also cited the solid work of his pitching staff on Friday. Senior Amanda Beeson, sophomore Hayley Carstens and freshman Julia Tyree all saw action in the circle on the day. With veteran catcher Amber Topil behind the plate, the trio of hurlers put together a nice effort for the first time out.
“Bethany got a grand slam to go ahead of us 5-3 and we just kept on fighting and got the result we wanted,” Greene said. “It was very much a team game. Everyone contributed. We played good defense and our pitchers threw well.”
With the Concordia’s expected arrival time back in Seward set at about 2 a.m. Saturday, Greene said his team’s play made it all worth it.
The Oklahoma Baptist softball festival took the place of the Friends University Tournament, which had originally been scheduled for March 1-2. That event was wiped out by snow and cold weather.
Next up for the Bulldogs is a doubleheader at York College on Tuesday. First pitch is set for 4:30 p.m. It will be Concordia’s final tune up before heading to California for eight games in the San Francisco area over spring break.