YANKTON, S.D. – Hhana Haro keeps on mashing in her new spot at the top of the lineup. She collected five more hits, including a home run, as part of Saturday’s (April 21) doubleheader split at Mount Marty. The Concordia University softball team’s rally fell short in a 7-6 loss in game one. The Bulldogs then ran away with a 10-2 victory in game two.
Fifth-year head coach Todd LaVelle’s squad is still trying to assure itself of a spot in the eight-team GPAC tournament. Concordia will enter a busy final week of regular-season action with records of 17-17 overall and 6-8 in conference play.
“We had to break through the ice,” LaVelle said in referencing what had been a five-game losing skid. “I felt they really came together and did that the second game. We need to use that as we move forward. We have a big week ahead of us. We have a chance to still move up in the standings. Everybody is battling for the same thing.”
Haro did her part in game one. Her fourth-inning three-run homer in the top of the fourth tied the score at 3-3. She also singled, walked and scored two runs as part of a 2-for-3 effort in the opener. The native of Garden Grove, Calif., then went 3-for-5 with a double, two runs and three more RBIs in game two. By day’s end, Haro had broken the program’s single-season doubles record. She now has 18 two-baggers in 2018. She is the GPAC leader in batting average (.520), on-base percentage (.542) and slugging percentage (.816).
Concordia paraded around the bases in game two with 10 hits and six walks. Not only did Haro pound out three hits, Kenna Heath went 2-for-4 and drove in three runs and Mackinsey Schmidt went 2-for-3 with three runs scored. The second contest had been close until the Bulldogs broke it open with three runs in the sixth and four in the seventh.
In the pitching circle, freshman Grace Bernhardt enjoyed the most success on Saturday. She threw a complete game for the win in game two. She struck out six Lancer hitters while allowing two runs on five hits and two walks. Brittany Woolridge threw game one and surrendered four earned runs on 10 hits and two walks. Mount Marty standout Amber Writer hit a home run in both ends of the doubleheader. She knocked in four runs in game one.
The Bulldogs are set to return to action on Monday (April 23) and host Dakota Wesleyan (10-18, 6-4 GPAC) in a makeup doubleheader. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. CT from Plum Creek Park in Seward. The Tigers had Saturday off but will be at Midland for a Sunday twin bill in Fremont.