SEWARD, Neb. – The early innings of Saturday’s doubleheader were simply a continuation of the hot recent play of the Concordia University softball team. The quick start highlighted the day for the Bulldogs, who pushed their winning streak to eight with a 7-4 game 1 victory over Mount Marty. The Lancers then responded by taking the second game, 4-2.
Fourth-year head coach Todd LaVelle’s squad remains in second place in the GPAC standings. Concordia sits at 29-11 overall and at 11-5 in conference play.
“We tried to really stress and hammer home that these girls would be tough,” LaVelle said. “We knew were going to get their best shot. I tip my hat to Mount Marty. They did what they had to do. Their pitcher mixed up speeds on us and we didn’t make the adjustments.
“I believe in what we have. I think you’re going to see them come back and rebound on Wednesday.”
Another streak also finally came to an end on Saturday when second baseman Leah Kalkwarf went 0-for-2 with a walk in game 2. That came after Kalkwarf blasted a pair of doubles and drove in a run in game 1. At that point, Kalkwarf owned a 12-game hitting streak that played a major role in the Bulldogs’ win streak. Kalkwarf doubled as part of a four-run first and then added another double in the three-run second.
Freshman Taryn Thomas also made significant contributions, cracking a two-run single in the first and then an RBI double in the second. In addition, she scored a pair of runs while enjoying a 2-for-3 performance in game 1. Thomas and company made those seven runs stand up.
Junior Michaela Woodward did her part in the circle, covering all seven innings of game 1. She allowed four runs (three earned) on three hits and three walks while recording six strikeouts. She moved her season record to 15-7.
But Mount Marty (15-18, 7-11 GPAC) showed resilience, scoring in the top of the first and then leading the entire way in game 2. The Lancers could have folded in the bottom of the seventh, but they stayed cool in a pressure moment. A Janey Pasold single, an error and a Jamie Lefebure walk loaded the bases with two outs. Lancer pitcher Brooke Becker then snuffed out the attempted rally by inducing a ground out to short off the bat of Megan Ruppert.
Second baseman Amanda McCafferty provided the fuel for the Mount Marty attack. She went 4-for-4 with a run and an RBI in game 2. Karlee Kozak went 2-for-3 out of the cleanup spot in the lineup.
Kylie Harpst got the ball in the circle in game 2 and was tagged with a loss for just the second time this season. Harpst also fired a complete game, scattering nine hits and a walk while allowing four runs.
The Concordia lineup took a hit when leading home run hitter Autumn Owens suffered an injury prior to the day’s first pitch. She was a late scratch because of the mishap.
The Bulldogs have four remaining home games on the regular-season slate. Up next is Wednesday’s visit from College of Saint Mary (16-16, 9-7 GPAC). First pitch is slated for 5 p.m. CT. Concordia will use the occasion to celebrate its seniors.