SEWARD, Neb. – The Bulldogs will finally come home to Plum Creek Park but not before the midweek doubleheader versus Hastings. Concordia University, Nebraska Softball will host Briar Cliff in its home opener after playing its first 26 games on the road. Head Coach Brock Culler’s lineup split with Dakota Wesleyan in its conference opening games which moved its record to 16-8 overall and 1-1 in the GPAC.
Wednesday, March 26 at Hastings (14-12, 2-4 GPAC), 4 p.m. DH
--Live Webcast | Live Stats: Game 1 – Game 2 | Location: Smith Softball Complex (Hastings, Neb.)
Friday, March 28 vs Briar Cliff (6-14, 0-4 GPAC), 3 p.m. DH
--Live Webcast | Live Stats: Game 1 – Game 2 | Location: Plum Creek Park (Seward, Neb.)
By the numbers
· The Tigers' potent offense was held in check for the majority of the innings in Mitchell, but they would claim game one (3-2) after eight innings. In game two, Concordia would cash in on lightning in a bottle offense in the first three innings, scoring nine, and held on in the 10-8 victory. Hanna Bowers had three hits (3-for-9) with all coming in the form of doubles. She led the team in runs batted in (three) and striding across home plate for four runs. Avery O’Boyle (2-for-3), Grace Maguire (2-for-4), Jennifer Katz (3-for-7), Delanie Voshell (3-for-9) and Bowers (3-for-9) paced the lineup in hits. Megan Eurich pitched a total of 8.2 innings, all seven in game one, earning a save in game two. Kaylei Denison earned the win in game two allowing six runs, one walk, 12 hits and one strikeout in 5.1 frames.
· Over the past 10 games, the Bulldogs have amassed an 8-2 record. A huge part of that is second baseman Hanna Bowers. After a rocky start, much like 2023, the Surprise, Ariz., native caught fire in the batter’s box with a .485 batting average and a team-leading .879 slugging percentage since the trip back to her home state. The Willow Canyon product has smashed eight doubles, a triple and a home run in the firey stretch. In the 10 games, Bowers in at the top in runs batted in (13) and runs (14).
· Eurich earned GPAC Pitcher of the Week for her play from March 3-9. After starting with a 1-4 rocky record, the legendary single season strikeout leader has returned to form going 5-1 since. The Gretna, Neb., native is tied for 17th (3rd in GPAC) in the NAIA in strikeouts (80) and has the second highest strikeouts per 7 innings (7.67) in the GPAC. With only 14 walks given up in 73.0 frames, Eurich has earned a 1.26 WHIP. Following her first strikeout of the final day in Tucson, Eurich reached 400 career strikeouts. Totaling 415 total punch outs, Eurich eclipsed Amanda Hehn (2004-07) to fourth for all-time career strikeouts in Concordia Softball history.
· The dynamic Katz continues to mash the ball with a team high on-base percentage (.519) and is tied for 25th in the NAIA in extra base hits (16) and triples (four). With the highest batting average (.455) and second highest slugging percentage(.848) in the GPAC, the Louisville High slugger is a perfect 9-9 in stolen bases this season. An Omaha, Neb., native, Katz has 30 hits, 23 runs, 19 runs batted in, nine doubles, three home runs and four walks.
· The top five records as most are just starting GPAC play lead off with No. 7 Northwestern with a 26-5 record and Dakota Wesleyan not far behind at 24-7. No. 23 Midland sits at 18-10 and Concordia at 16-8 record. Morningside rounds out the top 5 with a 15-9 total. Massey Ratings has Concordia ranked No. 71 with a strength of schedule rating at 135. The ratings for the rest of the conference teams in order are Northwestern (14), Midland (32), Morningside (41), Dakota Wesleyan (44), Doane (102), Hastings (104), Dordt (112), Mount Marty (121), Briar Cliff (137), and CSM (166). The top of the conference’s strength of schedule ratings starts with the Mustangs (39), Warriors (73), Red Raiders (95), and Tigers (139).
· Under Coach Culler, the Bulldogs have gone 3-5 against the two upcoming opponents but went 3-1 in 2024. Concordia defeated the Chargers 6-3 in both outings last season off of three nukes sent over the wall by Aubriana Krieser. Kylie Shottenkirk went a perfect 4-for-4 and tacked on a homer of her own. In the split against Hastings last season, Ace Eurich delivered a four-hit shutout in the 2-0 victorious pitcher’s duel. In game two, the Broncos found their offensive stride and run ruled the Bulldogs, 15-2.
Upcoming opponents
Hastings comes into the week with a 14-12 overall record and a 2-4 showing through six games in the GPAC. The Broncos defeated Briar Cliff (2-1, 6-5) in the GPAC opening doubleheader but fell to Northwestern and Dordt. The red and white squad averages 5.6 runs per game and has a .311 batting average as a unit. Kaylee Pinneo (.371) and Ana Medeiros (.370) pace the team in hitting percentage. Pinneo has a team high 25 RBIs and Medeiros follows with 22. Seven Hastings players have over 20 hits and Isabel Tanabe leads in 17 stolen bases. Lauren Lee has five homers, 20 RBIs and 24 walks. Kiera Brack (77.1) and Angelina Lockhart (50.2) are the primary pitchers in the circle for the Broncos. Brack (8-5) and Lockhart (3-5) have combined for 61 total strikeouts.
Briar Cliff has earned a 6-14 record and a winless 0-4 GPAC slate. The Chargers opened conference play with back to back losses (twice) against Hastings and Doane. Having fell in eight of their last nine outings, they will look to get back on track with Georgia Krohn and Skylar Bainter in the circle. Karina Cupples (.421) and Jessica James (.352) with the team leading averages in the batter’s box. Kaela Persico slugs .633 percent going yard six times.
Up next
Concordia’s competition will ramp up in the following week facing Midland and Northwestern. The Dawgs will host the Warriors at Plum Creek Park and will travel to Orange City to face the Red Raiders on the following Saturday.