2011 - Softball Schedule/Results
27-17 overall, 14-8 GPAC - View stats for the season
MARCH | ||||
| Spring Break Tournament-Tucson, Ariz. | ||||
| March 5 | Calumet College of St. Joseph | L 2-0 | ||
| March 5 | Trinity International | W 4-3 (8) | ||
| March 6 | Sienna Heights | W 4-3 | ||
| March 6 | Robert Morris | W 9-1 (5) | ||
| March 7 | #17 Madonna University | L 5-3 | ||
| March 7 | #15 Olivet Nazarene | L 14-3 (5) | ||
| March 9 | Purdue University North Central | L 7-2 | ||
| March 9 | Rockhurst University | W 3-0 | ||
| March 10 | Iowa Wesleyan | W 11-2 | ||
| March 10 | Park University | W 2-1 | ||
| March 16 | Bellevue University (2) | Seward, Neb. | W 5-1 L 7-5 | |
| March 18 | Briar Cliff University (2)* | Seward, Neb. | W 3-1 W 9-8 | |
| March 19 | Dordt College(2)* | Seward, Neb. | W 8-0 (5) L 11-7 | |
| March 21 | College of Saint Mary (2) | Omaha, Neb. | W 15-3 W 16-0 | |
| March 23 | Peru State College (2) | Peru, Neb. | W 1-0 L 3-2 | |
| March 24 | Kansas Wesleyan University (2) | Seward, Neb. | W 6-2 L 8-4 | |
| March 31 | Midland University (2)* | Fremont, Neb. | W 4-3 W 8-1 | |
APRIL | ||||
| April 2 | Dakota Wesleyan University (2)* | Mitchell, S.D. | W 3-0 W 5-3 | |
| April 6 | Nebraska Wesleyan University (2)* | Seward, Neb. | L 8-1 L 9-0 (6) | |
| April 12 | Hastings College (2)* | Hastings, Neb. | W 7-2 W 7-2 | |
| April 18 | Northwestern College (2)* | Seward, Neb. | L 8-6 (10) L 5-4 (9) | |
| April 20 | University of Sioux Falls (2) (Senior Day) | Seward, Neb. | W 1-0 W 2-1 | |
| April 27 | Doane College (2)* | Crete, Neb. | W 8-6 L 4-3 (9) | |
| April 29 | Morningside College (2)* | Sioux City, Iowa | L 5-4 L 7-0 | |
| April 30 | Mount Marty College (2)* | Sioux City, Iowa | W 4-0 W 5-3 | |
MAY | ||||
| May 5-7 | GPAC Tournament | Sioux City, Iowa | ||
| May 5 | Northwestern College | W 7-1 | ||
| May 5 | Morningside College | W 3-0 | ||
| May 6 | Midland University (Winner's Bracket Championship) | L 1-0 | ||
| May 6 | Morningside College (Loser's Bracket Championship - Elimination Game) | L 5-1 | ||
* Denotes GPAC Conference Games Home games in bold
2011 Bulldog Softball
No. | Name | B/T | Pos. | Yr. | Hometown |
10 | Nicole Baker | L/L | OF | Sr. | Arvada, Colo. |
12 | Nicole Sempek | R/R | P | Jr. | Columbus, Neb. |
13 | Gretchen Woebbecke | R/R | P/OF | So. | Seward, Neb. |
14 | Kelsey Timmerman | R/R | SS/C | Fr. | O'Neill, Neb. |
15 | Clarissa Eloge | R/R | 3B/SS | Sr. | Rising City, Neb. |
16 | Nicole Mapes | R/R | OF/SS | So. | Greeley, Colo. |
17 | Natalie Svoboda | R/R | OF | So. | Lincoln, Neb. |
18 | Amanda Beeson | R/R | P/1B | Fr. | Waverly, Neb. |
19 | Sam LaFontaine | R/R | SS/2B | So. | Hermantown, Minn. |
20 | Shelby Morose | R/R | 2B | Fr. | Claremore, Ok. |
21 | Ashli Ellis | R/R | OF | Fr. | York, Neb. |
22 | Amber Topil | R/R | C | Fr. | Seward, Neb. |
23 | Megan Osladil | R/R | OF | Fr. | Sheboygan, Wisc. |
25 | Angela Harstad | R/R | 3B/C | So. | Lewiston, Minn. |
26 | Elizabeth Young | R/R | P/1B | Fr. | Grand Prairie, Texas |
28 | Alyssa Bauwens | R/R | 1B/OF | Jr. | Perryville, Mo. |
31 | Amanda Baldwin | R/R | 3B/OF | Fr. | Wilber, Neb. |
32 | Mikaela Klein | R/R | 2B/SS | Jr. | Grand Island, Neb. |
2011 - Softball Coaching staff
Head Coach: Frank Greene
Assistant Coach: Charlotte Kaeding
Assistant Coach: Laura Fugate
Bulldogs selected sixth in GPAC preseason softball poll
24 JAN 2011
Concordia University is picked to finish sixth in the 2011 GPAC preseason softball poll. The Bulldogs totaled 72 points in the poll.
Morningside College, champions of both the GPAC regular season and post season titles in 2010, is the coaches’ choice to win the 2011 GPAC softball title. The Mustangs totaled 121 points and 11 first place votes in the poll. Morningside went 40-9 and made their third straight appearance at the NAIA National Tournament in 2010.
Nebraska Wesleyan is second in the poll with 107 points, while Midland University is third with 95 points and the final first place vote. Hastings College (85) and Doane College (80) are ahead of Concordia in fourth and fifth, respectively.
Dordt College is just behind Concordia in seventh place with 71 points. Briar Cliff University (48), Northwestern College (38) and Dakota Wesleyan (32) round out the top 10, while Sioux Falls (29) and Mount Marty (14) complete the 2011 preseason poll.
Concordia returns several key members from last year’s squad that posted a 24-18 overall record. The Bulldogs were 12-12 in conference play a year ago.
The GPAC softball season will consist of 22 games (11 doubleheaders) and will conclude with the GPAC postseason tournament from May 5-7 in Sioux City.
Concordia softball team set for the 2011 season
10 FEB 2011
The Concordia University softball team opens the 2011 season in early March at a spring break tournament in Arizona. The Bulldogs were 24-18 overall and 12-12 in league play a year ago. Concordia is picked to finish sixth in the GPAC preseason poll. With a solid group of returning players and some talented newcomers, Concordia hopes for a strong 2011 season.
The Bulldogs must replace 2010 All-Conference selection Laura Fugate. Fugate was a first team All-GPAC selection a year ago. She led the team in runs scored and hits and was second in batting average, homers, RBI’s and slugging percentage.
Despite the loss of Fugate, Concordia returns three All-Conference performers from a year ago. Seniors Clarissa Eloge (Rising City, Neb.) and Nicole Baker (Arvada, Colo.) and junior Nicole Sempek (Columbus, Neb.) will lead the way for the Bulldogs in 2011.
Eloge, a first team All-GPAC selection a year ago, was the 2009 GPAC Player-of-the-Year and is a three-year All-Conference performer. Last season, she hit a team-best .423 with team-highs in doubles (11), homers (9), RBI’s (43), on-base percentage (.500) and slugging percentage (.748). She also scored 32 runs and added 17 walks on the season.
Baker was also a first team All-Conference selection in 2010. She hit .378 and was second on the team in doubles (7), runs scored (35) and hits (54). She led the team with 24 stolen bases, and her .510 slugging percentage was good for third on the team.
Sempek was a second team All-GPAC selection last year after posting a 23-10 record. She had 193 strikeouts and finished with a 1.91 ERA. Sempek totaled 21 complete games and six shutouts on the season.
Concordia also returns a trio of sophomores that gained valuable experience last year. Natalie Svoboda (Lincoln, Neb.) started 40 games for the Bulldogs in her freshman season. She hit .269 with 19 runs scored, three homers and 14 RBI’s. Angela Harstad (Lewiston, Minn.) appeared in 34 games with 20 starts last year. Nicole Mapes (Greeley, Colo.) started all 42 games last year and had 14 RBI’s on the season.
Freshmen Amanda Beeson (Waverly, Neb.) and Elizabeth Young (Grand Prairie, Texas) should bolster the pitching staff this season. Last year, Sempek accounted for all but one of Concordia’s victories on the mound. She also totaled over 200 innings of work. Beeson and Young will add depth and should contribute as both starters and relievers this year for the Bulldogs.
“This year’s team will be a work in progress,” noted Bulldog head coach Frank Greene. “With a lot of younger players, we will need to mature as a unit very quickly. The team shows promise, but early nagging injuries make the future a guessing game at this time. The players work hard and have a good attitude going into the season and when it’s time, they’ll be ready to give it their best.”
Concordia opens the 2011 campaign in Arizona from March 5-10. The home opener is scheduled for March 16, and conference play begins on March 18.
Bulldogs open season with split at Spring Break Tournament
5 MAR 2011
Calumet College of St. Joseph 2, Concordia University 0 (view stats)
Concordia University 4, Trinity International 3 (8 innings) (view stats)
Concordia University opened the 2011 softball season by splitting two games at the Tucson Spring Break Tournament on Saturday. The Bulldogs suffered a 2-0 loss to Calumet College of St. Joseph, but responded to pick up a 4-3 win (8 innings) over Trinity International in the second game of the day.
The Bulldog offense struggled in the opening game of the day. Abigail Nelsen pitched all seven innings for Calumet College and allowed just three Concordia hits. Nelsen struck out eight and walked just one. The Crimson Wave totaled seven hits in the game. Jessica Pabey was a perfect 3-for-3 with a solo homer to lead the way offensively for Calumet College.
Natalie Svoboda (Lincoln, Neb.) went 2-for-3 at the plate for Concordia in the loss. Sam LaFontaine (Hermantown, Minn.) had the other hit for the Bulldogs. Nicole Sempek (Columbus, Neb.) suffered the loss on the mound. The junior allowed the two runs but struck out seven to go against one walk.
In the win over Trinity International, Concordia jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Nicole Baker (Arvada, Colo.) led off the game with a triple, and Svoboda followed with a 2-run homer to left field.
The Trojans quickly responded in the bottom of the first inning. Following two quick outs, Stephanie Johnson walked and scored on a 2-run blast by Nicole Eisenberg.
Concordia reclaimed the lead with a single run in the third inning. With one out in the frame, Baker connected on a solo homer to right field to give the Bulldogs a 3-2 advantage.
The Bulldogs dodged potential problems in the bottom of the sixth inning. The Trojans put runners on first and second with nobody out. However, Bulldog starter Elizabeth Young (Grand Prairie, Texas) got Jenny Cernek to line into a double play and Brittany Weisensel to ground out to end the inning with no damage done.
Trinity International tied the game at 3-3 in the bottom of the seventh inning. The Trojans had just one hit in the inning but took advantage of two Concordia fielding errors. An RBI single by Johnson forced the game to extra innings.
With the international tie-breaker rule, Baker started Concordia’s top of the eighth inning at second base. Svoboda moved Baker to third with a sacrifice bunt. Clarissa Eloge (Rising City, Neb.) popped out to the catcher. However, nobody covered home for Trinity, and Baker’s speed allowed her to score to put the Bulldogs on top 4-3.
Trinity International pitcher Allie Micucci was placed on second to start the Trojan half of the eighth inning. Katie Kiscellus popped up a bunt attempt for the first out of the inning. A sacrifice bunt by Cernek put Micucci on third base with two outs. Young got Brittany Weisensel to ground out to short to end the game.
Concordia totaled six hits in the win. Baker was 3-for-4 with an RBI and three runs scored for the Bulldogs. Svoboda, Eloge and Alyssa Bauwens (Perryville, Mo.) added single hits for Concordia. Young picked up the win on the mound in her Concordia debut. The freshman allowed the three runs (two earned) on seven hits with two walks and two strikeouts on the day.
“I thought our kids were a little nervous today, but I was happy with the way we responded in the second game,” remarked Bulldog head coach Frank Greene. “The kids are playing the roles I ask them to play and are working very hard. We have a lot of work to do. However, I was pleased with our composure down the stretch today.”
Concordia will continue tournament play on Sunday with games against Sienna Heights and Robert Morris.
Concordia earns two wins at Arizona Spring Break Tournament
6 MAR 2011
Concordia University 4, Sienna Heights 3 (view stats)
Concordia University 9, Robert Morris 1 (5) (view stats)
Concordia University picked up a pair of softball wins on Sunday in Arizona. The Bulldogs rallied for an exciting 4-3 win over Sienna Heights and then cruised past Robert Morris College by the score of 9-1 on Sunday evening. With the wins, Concordia improved to 3-1 on the season.
In the opening game of the day, the Saints struck first in the second inning. Sienna Heights totaled three hits in the inning, and Katie O’Hotzke’s 2-run double put the Saints on top 2-0.
Concordia got one run back in the bottom of the third. Natalie Svoboda (Lincoln, Neb.) delivered a clutch RBI single with two outs to score Nicole Baker (Arvada, Colo.) from second base. The Bulldogs loaded the bases later in the inning but were unable to score.
Sienna Heights added a single run in the fourth inning on a solo homer by Hannah McEwan. McEwan’s blast gave the Saints a 3-1 advantage.
In the bottom of the fourth, Concordia had two hits and took advantage of two SHU errors to take the lead. Shelby Morose (Claremore, Okla.) reached on an error to open the inning. Morose stole second and scored on an RBI single by Alyssa Bauwens (Perryville, Mo.).
Nicole Mapes (Greeley, Colo.) pinch ran for Bauwens. Kelsey Timmerman (O’Neill, Neb.) put down a bunt and reached on a Sienna throwing error. The second error of the inning put runners at first and second with nobody out. A sacrifice bunt by Amber Topil (Seward, Neb.) advanced the runners to second and third with one out. Baker followed with a 2-run double to right field to give Concordia a 4-3 advantage.
Concordia starting pitcher Nicole Sempek (Columbus, Neb.) kept Sienna Heights from scoring in the fifth, and Elizabeth Young (Grand Prairie, Texas) worked two scoreless innings to secure the 4-3 win for the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs finished with five hits in the game. Baker was 1-for-3 with two RBI’s and a run scored to lead the way. Sempek (1-1) allowed three runs on five hits with four strikeouts in five innings of work to pick up the win on the mound. Young picked up her first save of the season.
McEwan went 3-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI for Siena Heights. O’Hotzke went the distance on the mound for the Saints and allowed four runs (two earned) on five hits with two walks and six strikeouts.
Concordia scored early and often in the win over Robert Morris. The Bulldogs took advantage of a Robert Morris error to take the lead in the first inning. Baker led off the game with a single and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Svoboda. Clarissa Eloge (Rising City, Neb.) drove a fly ball to center field, and an error by the center fielder allowed Baker to score from second and give Concordia a 1-0 lead.
The Eagles tied the game with a single run in the top of the second. Madlyn Joyce singled to lead off the inning, and Jossilyn Jones drove her in with an RBI single.
The Bulldogs quickly reclaimed the lead with a single run in the bottom of the second. Elizabeth Young connected on a solo homer in her first career at bat to reclaim the lead for Concordia.
In the bottom of the third, Concordia broke the game wide open with four runs. The Bulldogs had five hits in the inning. Svoboda led off the inning with a solo homer. Following a single by Eloge, pitcher Amanda Beeson (Waverly, Neb.) followed with an RBI double. Mapes and Young also delivered RBI singles in the inning, as Concordia grabbed a 6-1 lead.
Concordia continued to pour it on with three more runs in the fourth inning. Baker and Svoboda singled to start the inning. Eloge followed with a 3-run blast to increase the Concordia lead to 9-1.
The Bulldogs finished with 11 hits in the game compared to just five for Robert Morris. Baker, Svoboda, Eloge, Mapes and Young all had two hits for a balanced Concordia offensive attack. Beeson (1-0) allowed the one run on five hits with no walks and four strikeouts in her first start of the season.
Concordia will take on Madonna University (10 am) and Olivet Nazarene (noon) on Monday.
Concordia falls to Madonna University and Olivet Nazarene University
7 MAR 2011
#17 Madonna University 5, Concordia University 3 (view stats)
#15 Olivet Nazarene University 14, Concordia University 3 (5) (view stats)
Concordia suffered softball losses to Madonna University and Olivet Nazarene University on Monday in Arizona. The Bulldogs dropped to 3-3 on the year.
Madonna University, ranked No. 17 in the NAIA Preseason Poll, rallied for a 5-3 win over the Bulldogs in the opening game of the day.
Concordia took a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Nicole Mapes (Greeley, Colo.) doubled, and Amber Topil (Seward, Neb.) drove her in to put the Bulldogs on top. The score remained the same until the fifth inning. A Madonna fielding error allowed two runs to score, and the Bulldogs took a 3-0 lead.
Entering the bottom of the fifth inning, Madonna had just two hits. In the fifth, the Crusaders erupted for five runs on six hits to take control of the game. Ashley Shay had a 2-run double, and Erica Landess added an RBI double for the Crusaders in the inning. Jackie Barley and Tara LaMilza had RBI singles in the inning for Madonna.
Concordia had two hits in the sixth inning but was unable to put any runs on the board. The Bulldogs went down in order in the seventh inning, and Madonna secured the 5-3 win.
Madonna finished with eight hits compared to seven for Concordia. Nicole Baker (Arvada, Colo.) went 2-for-4 with a run scored, and Topil was 2-for-3 with an RBI to lead the way for the Bulldogs offensively. Amanda Beeson (1-1) suffered the loss on the mound for Concordia.
Olivet Nazarene (No. 15 in the NAIA Preseason Poll) used a pair of big innings to pull away for a 14-3 win over the Bulldogs in five innings.
The Tigers jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead in the first inning. The Tigers had two homers and five total hits in the inning. Molly Anderson and Lindsey Jarrett each delivered 2-run homers for Olivet Nazarene in their big first inning. Anderson added an RBI single in the second inning to give the Tigers a 6-3 advantage.
Concordia got back in the game in the fourth inning. Baker and Clarissa Eloge (Rising City, Neb.) each singled, and Mikaela Klein (Grand Island, Neb.) followed with a 3-run homer for the Bulldogs to cut the lead to 6-3. The Bulldogs loaded the bases later in the inning but were unable to pull any closer.
The Tigers came right back with two runs in the bottom of the fourth. Katie Hannagan drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, and Anderson knocked in another run with a double to give Olivet Nazarene an 8-3 lead.
Concordia left the bases loaded in the top of the fifth, and Olivet Nazarene ended the game with six runs in the bottom of the inning. Jarrett and Jordan Reynolds each had RBI doubles, and Hannah Gardner delivered a grand slam to end the game.
Concordia totaled just five hits in the game. Baker and Eloge had two hits apiece. Elizabeth Young (Grand Prairie, Texas) suffered the loss on the mound to fall to 1-1 on the year. Young allowed eight runs (seven earned) on 12 hits with no walks and five strikeouts in four innings of work.
Molly Anderson was 3-for-3 with four RBI’s, and Hannah Gardner was 2-for-4 with five RBI’s to lead the way for Olivet Nazarene. Kelly Blucker allowed three runs on five hits with three walks and 14 strikeouts to pick up the win on the mound for the Tigers.
Concordia will continue tournament play on Wednesday with games against Purdue University North Central and Rockhurst University.
Concordia moves to 4-4 with split at spring break tournament
9 MAR 2011
Purdue - North Central 7, Concordia University 2 (view stats)
Concordia University 3, Rockhurst University 0 (view stats)
Concordia split two softball games in Arizona on Wednesday. The Bulldogs lost 7-2 to Purdue University – North Central but responded with a 3-0 win over Division II Rockhurst University in the second game of the day. Concordia is now 4-4 on the year.
In game one, Purdue University – North Central took advantage of some Concordia mistakes and used a solid pitching performance from freshman Lanay Parks to pick up the win.
The Panthers struck first with a pair of runs in the bottom of the third. Jessica Morgan had an RBI double, and Lindsay Gernenz added an RBI single in the inning for Purdue North Central.
Concordia tied the game in the top of the fourth inning. Concordia didn’t have a hit in the first three innings but totaled four hits in the top of the fourth. Clarissa Eloge (Rising City, Neb.), Nicole Mapes (Greeley, Colo.) and Mikaela Klein (Grand Island, Neb.) all singled to load the bases with one out. A fielder’s choice by Alyssa Bauwens (Perryville, Mo.) scored the first run of the inning. With two outs in the inning, Amanda Beeson (Waverly, Neb.) delivered an RBI single to score Shelby Morose (Claremore, Okla.). Bauwens was thrown out at the plate on the play.
The Panthers quickly responded with two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Following two quick outs, Brittani Cain struck out but reached first on a wild pitch. Following a stolen base and a walk to Sam Gross, Megan Olson singled to center field. The ball got past Bulldog outfielder Natalie Svoboda (Lincoln, Neb.), and both Cain and Gross scored on the play.
The Bulldogs were unable to score in the top of the fifth, and the Panthers pulled away with three runs in the bottom half of the inning. Kayla Bauer delivered a 3-run homer to give Purdue – North Central a 7-2 advantage. Concordia managed just one hit in the final two innings of play.
Purdue – North Central totaled nine hits in the game compared to just six for Concordia. Jessica Morgan was a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI and Bauer drove in three for the Panthers. Lanay Parks pitched all seven innings and struck out eight.
Nobody had more than one hit for the Bulldogs. Bauwens and Beeson each drove in a run. Beeson (1-2) suffered the loss on the mound. She allowed the seven runs on nine hits with one walk and five strikeouts.
In game two of the day, Concordia jumped out to a 1-0 lead over Rockhurst in the bottom of the first inning. Baker singled and Eloge walked, and both runners advanced a base on a passed ball. Morose followed with an RBI single to score Baker. Eloge tried to score but was thrown out on the play.
The score remained the same until the bottom of the fourth. With one out, Beeson singled and advanced to second on an error. Morose then delivered an RBI double to score pinch runner Kelsey Timmerman (O’Neill, Neb.) from second. Later in the inning, Amber Topil (Seward, Neb.) delivered a clutch RBI single to score Morose and give the Bulldogs a 3-0 advantage.
Rockhurst had a mild threat in the top of the fifth. The Hawks put two runners on with just one out. However, Nicole Sempek (Columbus, Neb.) struck out Sadie Applegate and Debbie Lewis to end the inning. Sempek cruised through the final two innings, and Concordia secured the 3-0 win.
Concordia finished with six hits in the game. Baker and Morose each had two, and Morose drove in a pair to lead the way for the Bulldogs. Sempek (2-1) went the distance on the mound and allowed just two hits with seven strikeouts to pick up her second win of the season.
Megan Holm allowed three runs with one walk and seven strikeouts for Rockhurst.
Concordia faces Iowa Wesleyan and Park University on Thursday to conclude play in the Spring Break Tournament.
Bulldogs sweep on final day of spring break tournament
10 MAR 2011
Concordia University 11, Iowa Wesleyan 2 (view stats)
Concordia University 2, Park University 1 (view stats)
Concordia picked up two wins on the final day of their spring break tournament in Arizona. The Bulldogs cruised past Iowa Wesleyan 11-2 and then picked up an exciting 2-1 win over Park University. Concordia has won three straight and is now 6-4 on the year.
Concordia had little trouble with Iowa Wesleyan in the opening game of the day. The Bulldogs scored in five of the seven innings. Concordia totaled 11 hits in the game, and the Bulldogs also took advantage of five Iowa Wesleyan errors in the contest.
Nicole Mapes (Greeley, Colo.) went 3-for-4 with two RBI’s and two runs scored, while Clarissa Eloge (Rising City, Neb.) was 2-for-3 with three runs scored. Nicole Baker (Arvada, Colo.) added two hits with an RBI and a run scored for the Bulldogs.
Elizabeth Young (Grand Prairie, Texas) worked all seven innings and picked up the win on the mound for the Bulldogs. Young (2-1) allowed two runs (one earned) on nine hits with one walk and nine strikeouts on the day.
Game two of the day was a pitching dual between Nicole Sempek and Kalla Jones. Concordia had eight hits in the game, while Park totaled seven hits. However, the pitching and defense was strong with runners on, as both teams left eight runners on base.
The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the fifth inning. An RBI single by Eloge scored Baker to give Concordia a 1-0 advantage. In the top of the sixth inning, Park University tied the game at 1-1 on an RBI single by Kalla Jones.
Following a scoreless bottom of the sixth and top of the seventh, Concordia got its chance to win the game in the bottom of the seventh. Amanda Baldwin (Wilber, Neb.) singled with one out in the inning. Baker followed with a double to put runners at second and third. Natalie Svoboda (Lincoln, Neb.) then delivered an RBI single up the middle to score Baldwin and give the Bulldogs the 2-1 victory.
Baker and Baldwin had two hits apiece to pace Concordia offensively. Baker is now hitting a team-best .531 (17-of-32) on the year. Sempek (3-1) went the distance on the mound, allowing just one run on seven hits with no walks and six strikeouts on the day.
Weather and field conditions permitting, Concordia is scheduled to host Bellevue University on March 16 in the 2011 home opener. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Plum Creek Park.
Bulldogs split with Bellevue University
16 MAR 2011
Concordia University 5, Bellevue University 1 (view stats)
Bellevue University 7, Concordia University 5 (view stats)
Concordia split a pair of softball games with Bellevue University on Wednesday evening in Seward. The Bulldogs won game one by the score of 5-1, and Bellevue rallied to win game two by the score of 7-5. Concordia moved to 7-5 on the year, while Bellevue is 5-10.
In game one, Concordia got off to a slow start offensively. However, the Bulldogs used big innings in the fourth and fifth to pull away for the win. The Bulldogs broke through with two runs on three hits in the bottom of the fourth. Nicole Mapes (Greeley, Colo.) and Amanda Beeson (Waverly, Neb.) each had RBI singles in the inning for Concordia.
After Bellevue got on the board with a single run in the top of the fifth, Concordia responded with three runs in the bottom of the inning to take a 5-1 lead. Amanda Baldwin (Wilber, Neb.) walked to lead off the inning, and Nicole Baker (Arvada, Colo.) followed with a 2-run homer to right center. Clarissa Eloge (Rising City, Neb.) added an RBI single for Concordia’s final run of the inning.
Concordia finished with eight hits in the game. Baker, Natalie Svoboda (Lincoln, Neb.) and Eloge all had two hits to pace the Bulldog offense. Nicole Sempek (Columbus, Neb.) improved to 4-1 on the year with a solid performance on the mound. The junior allowed the one run on just two hits with two walks and three strikeouts in the contest.
Bellevue rallied with three late runs to pick up the win in game two. The visiting Bruins took an early 1-0 lead on an RBI double by Brooke Ellis in the top of the first inning.
Concordia tied the game with a single run in the second. With two outs in the inning, Mikaela Klein (Grand Island, Neb.) tripled and scored on an RBI single by Amber Topil (Seward, Neb.). The Bulldogs tacked on two more runs in the third inning. Eloge delivered an RBI single, and Beeson added an RBI double to give Concordia a 3-1 advantage.
The Bulldogs took a 5-1 lead with two more runs in the fourth. Baker drove in Kelsey Timmerman (O’Neill, Neb.) with an RBI single, and Svoboda knocked in Baldwin with an RBI groundout later in the inning.
Bellevue got back in the game with a big fifth inning. The Bruins scored three runs on four hits and a Concordia error to cut the lead to one at 5-4. Ellis had the big hit in the inning with a 2-run double.
After a scoreless sixth inning, Bellevue again scored three times in the top of the seventh. A wild pitch allowed the first run to score, and a 2-run double by Ellis put the Bruins on top by the score of 7-5. Concordia put the leadoff batter on base in the bottom of the seventh but was unable to mount a rally, as Bellevue secured the 7-5 win.
Bellevue finished with 10 hits in the game compared to nine for Concordia. Ellis went 3-for-4 with three RBI’s for the Bruins. Amanda Neumann picked up the win in relief for Bellevue.
Baker, Klein and Baldwin all had two hits to lead the way offensively for Concordia in the loss. Sempek (4-2) suffered the loss on the mound. She allowed three runs on five hits with three strikouts in 2.1 innings of relief. Elizabeth Young (Grand Prairie, Texas) worked the first 4.2 innings, allowing four runs on five hits with two walks and five strikeouts.
Concordia hosts Briar Cliff on Friday and Dordt College on Saturday.
Concordia sweeps Briar Cliff to open GPAC play
18 MAR 2011
Concordia University 3, Briar Cliff University 1 (view stats)
Concordia University 9, Briar Cliff University 8 (view stats)
Concordia University opened conference play with a pair of wins over Briar Cliff University on Friday afternoon in Seward. Scores of the games were 3-1 and 9-8. The Bulldogs improved to 9-5 with the wins, while Briar Cliff slipped to 6-14.
In game one, Concordia jumped on top 1-0 in the first inning with an unearned run. The score remained the same until the sixth inning. Briar Cliff tied the game with an RBI double by Emma Verge.
In the bottom of the sixth, Concordia scored a pair of runs to take control of the game. The Bulldogs used two hits, two walks and a wild pitch to take a 3-1 lead. Natalie Svoboda (Lincoln, Neb.) scored on a wild pitch, and Amanda Beeson (Waverly, Neb.) added an RBI single in the inning.
Briar Cliff managed to load the bases with two outs in the bottom of the seventh. However, Bulldog pitcher Nicole Sempek (Columbus, Neb.) struck out Misty Marrin to end the game.
Concordia finished with six hits in game one. Beeson was 2-for-3 with an RBI to lead the way. Sempek improved to 5-2 on the year with the win on the mound. She allowed the one run on just four hits with one walk and five strikeouts.
Things didn’t look good in game two, as Briar Cliff took a commanding lead in the third inning. The Chargers took a 3-0 lead, and following a Concordia error with two outs, Annessa Garcia delivered a 2-run homer to push the Briar Cliff lead to 5-0.
Concordia struggled offensively in the opening three innings but used a huge fourth inning to jump in front. Nicole Mapes (Greeley, Colo.) and Angela Harstad (Lewiston, Minn.) walked to open the inning, and a single by Amber Topil (Seward, Neb.) loaded the bases with nobody out. Mapes was forced out at home on the following play for the first out of the inning. However, Nicole Baker (Arvada, Colo.) cleared the bases with a triple to cut the lead to two at 5-3.
Svoboda scored Baker with an RBI single to cut the Charger lead to one at 5-4. Clarissa Eloge (Rising City, Neb.) followed with a single, and the runners moved to second and third on a wild pitch. Following a walk to Mikaela Klein (Grand Island, Neb.) which loaded the bases, Mapes delivered a key 2-run single up the middle to put Concordia on top by the score of 6-5.
The Bulldogs tacked on three very important insurance runs in the sixth inning. Eloge doubled and moved to third on a single by Beeson. A passed ball allowed Eloge to score, and Klein followed with an RBI double to score Beeson. Amanda Baldwin (Wilber, Neb.) added an RBI double later in the inning to increase the Concordia lead to 9-5.
Briar Cliff made things interesting with three runs in the seventh. Morgan Davis knocked in two with a triple, and Garcia added an RBI single to pull the Chargers within one at 9-8. With a runner at first base, Beeson got Hannah Taylor to fly out to end the game.
Concordia finished with 12 hits in game two compared to just six for Briar Cliff. Eloge went 3-for-4 with two runs scored, while Beeson and Klein added two hits apiece to lead the way offensively. Beeson (2-2) picked up the win on the mound for the Bulldogs. She allowed three runs on four hits with two walks and two strikeouts in four innings of relief.
Concordia hosts Dordt College in a GPAC double header on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Plum Creek Park.
Concordia goes 1-1 against Dordt College
19 MAR 2011
Concordia University 8, Dordt College 0 (5) (view stats)
Dordt College 11, Concordia University 7 (view stats)
Concordia University split a pair of GPAC softball games with Dordt College on Saturday afternoon in Seward. The Bulldogs took game one by the score of 8-0 in five innings. Dordt responded with an 11-7 win in game two. Concordia is now 10-6 overall and 3-1 in conference play. Dordt is 4-7 overall and 1-1 in GPAC play.
In game one, the Bulldogs jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead in the first inning. Nicole Baker (Arvada, Colo.) singled and stole second. Natalie Svoboda (Lincoln, Neb.) singled to advance Baker to third, and Clarissa Eloge (Rising City, Neb.) drove in Baker with an RBI single. A single by Amanda Beeson (Waverly, Neb.) loaded the bases, and Mikaela Klein (Grand Island, Neb.) delivered a 2-run double to increase the Bulldog lead to 3-0. Amber Topil (Seward, Neb.) knocked in Beeson with an RBI single later in the inning for Concordia’s fourth run of the inning.
Concordia added a single run in the second inning. Baker led off the inning with a solo homer to right center to push the lead to 5-0. The Bulldogs grabbed a 6-0 advantage with another run in the fourth inning. Baker singled for her third hit of the game, and Beeson drove her in with an RBI double. Concordia ended the game with two more runs in the fifth on RBI singles by Amanda Baldwin (Wilber, Neb.) and Shelby Morose (Claremore, Okla.).
The Bulldogs totaled 14 hits in the game. Baker and Beeson each totaled three hits to pace a balanced offensive attack. The run support was more than enough for Concordia pitcher Nicole Sempek, who improved to 6-2 on the year with the win. Sempek (Columbus, Neb.) worked all five innings and allowed just two hits with no walks and nine strikeouts.
In game two, Dordt College scored in six of the seven innings to pick up the win. The Defenders totaled 15 hits in the game and scored multiple runs in four innings.
Dordt grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first on an RBI single by Sarah Seymour. Dordt added to its lead in the second with a solo homer by Kassandra Heynen to lead off the inning. The Defenders added three more runs in the third to grab a 5-0 lead. Beth Dykstra had an RBI single, and Alissa Reeves had a 2-run double in the inning for Dordt.
Concordia got on the board with a single run in the third. Klein doubled and scored on an RBI single by Nicole Mapes (Greeley, Colo.). Dordt came right back with a pair of runs in the fourth. Seymour connected on a 2-run blast to increase the Defender lead to 7-1.
The Bulldogs plated two runs in the bottom of the fourth. Baker delivered a sacrifice fly, and Svoboda had an RBI ground out in the inning. Dordt again had an answer with two more runs in the top of the fifth. Paige Fynaardt had a 2-run single for the Defenders in the inning.
In the bottom of the fifth, Concordia scored a single run on a solo homer by Klein. Klein smacked the first pitch she saw deep over the center field fence. The Bulldogs added three more runs in the sixth. Svoboda and Eloge each had RBI singles, while Beeson drove in a run with a sacrifice fly. Dordt led 9-7 heading into the seventh inning.
Dordt scored two insurance runs in the seventh. The first two batters of the inning reached via error and fielder’s choice, and Dykstra scored them both with a 2-run single for the final score of 11-7.
Concordia totaled 14 hits in game two but was hurt by three errors defensively. Baker and Morose each delivered three hits in the game for the Bulldogs. Elizabeth Young (Grand Prairie, Texas) took the loss and dropped to 2-2 on the year. Young allowed five runs on eight hits with one walk and four strikeouts in just 2.1 innings of work.
Concordia travels to College of Saint Mary on March 21 for a double header against the Flames. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. in Omaha.
Concordia cruises to sweep of College of St. Mary
21 MAR 2011
Concordia University 15, College of St. Mary 3 (5) (view stats)
Concordia University 16, College of St. Mary 0 (5) (view stats)
Concordia University picked up a pair of easy softball wins over the College of Saint Mary on Monday afternoon in Omaha. Scores were 15-3 and 16-0. The Bulldogs improved to 12-6 on the season with the victories. College of St. Mary dropped to 0-16 with the losses.
Concordia finished with 13 hits in game one. The Bulldogs scored in four of the five innings and did most of their damage in the first and fourth innings. Concordia scored five runs in the top of the first and added six more runs in the fourth.
Amanda Beeson (Waverly, Neb.) had a solid game at bat and on the mound for Concordia. Beeson was 2-for-3 with two RBI’s and two runs scored. She also moved to 3-2 on the year with the win on the mound. Beeson worked the first three innings, allowing no hits with five strikeouts.
Nicole Mapes (Greeley, Colo.) was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with an RBI and three runs scored. Mikaela Klein (Grand Island, Neb.) was 2-for-4 with a homer, three runs scored and four RBI’s. Alyssa Bauwens (Perryville, Mo.) was 3-for-4 with a homer, a run scored and four RBI’s in a balanced Concordia offensive attack.
The Concordia bats stayed hot in game two, as the Bulldogs scored the 16 runs on 11 hits. Concordia again scored in four of the five innings and put eight runs on the board in the fourth inning alone.
Clarissa Eloge (Rising City, Neb.) was a perfect 3-for-3 with an RBI and four runs scored. Bauwens was 1-for-3 with her second homer of the day. Sam LaFontaine (Hermantown, Minn.) was 2-for-4 with a homer, two runs scored and four driven in. Pitcher Elizabeth Young (Grand Prairie, Texas) was 2-for-2 with a run scored and two RBI’s. On the mound, Young (3-2) worked all five innings and allowed just four hits with one walk and six strikeouts.
Concordia travels to Peru State College on March 23 for two games with the Bobcats.
Concordia splits doubleheader with Peru State
23 MAR 2011
Concordia University 1, Peru State College 0
Peru State College 3, Concordia University 2
Concordia University split a pair of softball games at Peru State on Wednesday. The Bulldogs took game one 1-0, and Peru State responded with a 3-2 win in game two. Concordia moved to 13-7 on the year.
In game one, Concordia scored the only run of the game in the top of the first inning. Nicole Baker (Arvada, Colo.) reached base to lead off the inning and scored on an RBI double by Clarissa Eloge (Rising City, Neb.).
The one run proved to be enough, as Nicole Sempek (Columbus, Neb.) shut the Peru State offense down. The junior pitcher improved to 7-2 with the win on the mound. She worked all seven innings and allowed just three hits with three strikeouts to earn her third shutout of the season.
Peru State took an early lead and held off a late Concordia rally to pick up the win in game two. The Bobcats scored two runs in the bottom of the first. Kristen Bodyk delivered an RBI triple, and an RBI groundout by Ashley Wohlers put Peru State on top 2-0.
PSC added a single run in the third to grab a 3-0 lead. Bodyk doubled and scored on a Concordia error.
Concordia got on the board with a run in the sixth inning. Baker led off the inning with a single. Two batters later, Eloge delivered an RBI triple to pull the Bulldogs within two at 3-1.
Concordia’s rally in the top of the seventh fell just short. Alyssa Bauwens (Perryville, Mo.) led off the inning with a walk. A groundout moved Sempek (pinch runner) to second, and a single by Angela Harstad (Lewiston, Minn.) put runners at first and third. A wild pitch put runners at second and third with one out. A sacrifice fly by Amber Topil (Seward, Neb.) drove in Sempek to cut the lead to one. However, Baker popped out to end the game.
Both teams finished with six hits in the contest. Eloge was a perfect 3-for-3 with an RBI, and Harstad added two hits for the Bulldogs. Amanda Beeson (3-3) suffered the loss on the mound. She allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits with two walks and five strikeouts.
Concordia hosts Kansas Wesleyan on Thursday. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Plum Creek Park.
Bulldogs rally for win in game one, drop game two against Kansas Wesleyan
24 MAR 2011
Concordia University 6, Kansas Wesleyan University 2 (view stats)
Kansas Wesleyan University 8, Concordia University 4 (view stats)
Concordia University split a pair of softball games with Kansas Wesleyan on Thursday afternoon in Seward. The Bulldogs won game one by the score of 6-2, and the visiting Coyotes took game two by the score of 8-4. Concordia moved to 14-8, while KWU moved to 17-7 on the season.
Kansas Wesleyan took an early lead in game one, but the Bulldogs rallied for the win. The Coyotes took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on an RBI triple by Sara Weber. KWU added another run in the third on an RBI single by Caitlin Girard.
Concordia scored a single run in the third. Nicole Baker (Arvada, Colo.) tripled to lead off the inning. With one out in the inning, Clarissa Eloge (Rising City, Neb.) walked. Eloge stole second base, and a wild throw by the KWU catcher allowed Baker to score.
The Bulldogs took the lead with a pair of runs in the fourth inning. With one out, Angela Harstad (Lewiston, Minn.) walked. A single by Shelby Morose (Claremore, Okla.) put runners at first and second, and a wild pitch put runners at second and third with just one out. Amber Topil (Seward, Neb.) followed with a 2-run single to put Concordia on top by the score of 3-2.
Concordia added three more runs in the fifth to take a 6-2 lead. Natalie Svoboda (Lincoln, Neb.) singled and scored on an RBI double by Eloge. Nicole Mapes (Greeley, Colo.) had an RBI groundout, and Morose added an RBI single in the inning for the Bulldogs.
Eloge went 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored, and Morose added two hits with an RBI and a run scored to pace the Bulldogs offensively in the win. Nicole Sempek (now 8-2 on the year) picked up the win on the mound for the Bulldogs. Sempek (Columbus, Neb.) allowed the two early runs but allowed just two hits in the final four innings. She allowed just six hits and walked one to go along with 11 strikeouts.
Kansas Wesleyan scored in four of the seven innings and belted 11 hits in game two to pick up the win. The Coyotes took a 1-0 lead in the second on an RBI single by pitcher Abbyann Spickler. KWU added three more runs in the third. The inning started with a Concordia error. Chelsea Carvalho delivered an RBI double, while both Weber and Cassandra Roldan added RBI singles in the inning for the Coyotes.
Concordia got on the board with a single run in the third. Baker tripled with one out in the inning. Svoboda followed with an RBI single to cut the lead to three at 4-1.
The Coyotes scored three more in the fifth. Tiana Rendon had the big hit of the inning with a 2-run homer to left field. KWU added an unearned run later in the inning to grab a 7-1 lead.
Nicole Baker smacked a solo homer in the bottom of the fifth for Concordia. The Bulldogs added two more runs in the sixth on a 2-run single by Mapes. KWU answered with a single run in the seventh for the final score of 8-4.
Baker, Eloge and Amanda Beeson (Waverly, Neb.) all had two hits for the Bulldogs in game two. Beeson (3-4) suffered the loss on the mound. She allowed the eight runs (five earned) on 11 hits with one walk and seven strikeouts.
Concordia is scheduled to host Southwestern College (Kan.) on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 1 pm at Plum Creek Park.
Bulldogs move to 5-1 in GPAC with sweep of Midland University
31 MAR 2011
Concordia University 4, Midland University 3 (view stats)
Concordia University 8, Midland University 1 (view stats)
Concordia University improved to 16-8 overall and 5-1 in conference play with a GPAC softball sweep of Midland University on Thursday in Fremont. Scores were 4-3 and 8-1. Midland dropped to 4-13 overall and 1-3 in conference play with the losses.
In game one, the Bulldogs took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning. Following two quick outs, Clarissa Eloge (Rising City, Neb.) singled and stole second. Nicole Mapes (Greeley, Colo.) followed with an RBI single. Midland quickly tied the game in the bottom of the first with a solo homer by Tiana Gataivasa.
Concordia reclaimed the lead in the second. Shelby Morose (Claremore, Okla.) singled and advanced to second on a walk to Amanda Baldwin (Wilber, Neb.). Following a wild pitch, Nicole Baker (Arvada, Colo.) delivered a sacrifice fly to score Morose and give the Bulldogs a 2-1 advantage.
The Bulldogs increased their lead with another run in the fourth. Amanda Beeson (Waverly, Neb.) doubled and advanced to third on a sac bunt by Morose. Amber Topil (Seward, Neb.) followed with an RBI single to push the Bulldog lead to 3-1.
Topil again delivered a key hit for Concordia in the sixth inning. Beeson reached on a Midland error to lead off the inning. A bunt by Morose moved Beeson to third. Topil then delivered her second RBI single of the game to increase Concordia’s lead to 4-1.
Concordia’s run in the sixth proved to be huge, as Midland University rallied in the bottom of the seventh. The Warriors scored two runs on four hits in the inning and had runners at first and second with just one out. However, Bulldog pitcher Elizabeth Young (Grand Prairie, Texas) got Kat Nickel to ground into a double play to end the game.
The Bulldogs finished with seven hits in the contest. Topil led the way with two hits and two driven in. Young (4-2) worked all seven innings to pick up the win on the mound. She allowed the three runs on eight hits with two walks and six strikeouts.
In game two, Concordia jumped out to an early lead and cruised to the easy 8-1 win. In the top of the first, Baker led off the inning with a single. She stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Natalie Svoboda (Lincoln, Neb.) knocked her in with an RBI groundout, and the Bulldogs took the early 1-0 advantage.
The Bulldogs took total control of the game with a big second inning. Concordia scored five runs on four hits. Baldwin drove in two with a double to start the scoring. Svoboda added her second RBI groundout of the game, and Eloge had a 2-run single in the inning as the Bulldogs grabbed a 6-0 lead.
Midland scored its only run of the game in the fifth inning on an RBI double by Kathy Curtis. The Bulldogs got that run right back in the top of the sixth on a solo homer by Alyssa Bauwens (Perryville, Mo.). It was the third homer of the year for Bauwens. Concordia added another run in the seventh on an RBI single by Svoboda for the final score of 8-1.
Nicole Sempek (Columbus, Neb.) moved to 9-2 on the year with the win on the mound. The junior didn’t allow a hit through the first three innings, and the Warriors totaled just three hits in the game. Sempek walked just one and struck out 11 in the contest.
The Bulldogs finished with 10 hits in game two. Baker was a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs scored. Mikaela Klein (Grand Island, Neb.) was 2-for-3 with a run scored. Svoboda drove in three runs, while both Eloge and Baldwin drove in two in the Concordia win.
Concordia continues conference play at Dakota Wesleyan on April 2.
Concordia sweeps Dakota Wesleyan to run winning streak to four
2 APR 2011
Concordia University 3, Dakota Wesleyan University 0 (view stats)
Concordia University 5, Dakota Wesleyan University 3 (view stats)
Concordia University picked up 3-0 and 5-3 GPAC softball wins over Dakota Wesleyan on Saturday in Mitchell, S.D. With the wins, Concordia moved to 18-8 overall and 7-1 in GPAC play on the season.
Elizabeth Young (Grand Prairie, Texas) was the story for the Bulldogs in game one. The freshman allowed just one hit in the contest. She didn’t walk anyone and totaled five strikeouts to improve to 5-2 on the year. Young now has five complete games and two shutouts this season.
The Bulldogs totaled six hits in the win. Concordia took a 1-0 lead in the third inning. Nicole Baker (Arvada, Colo.) tripled to lead off the inning. A sacrifice by Clarissa Eloge (Rising City, Neb.) drove Baker in for the first run of the game.
Concordia tacked on two more runs in the fifth inning. Eloge had an RBI double, and Nicole Mapes (Greeley, Colo.) added a sacrifice fly in the inning for the Bulldogs.
Megan Courto had the only hit for Dakota Wesleyan in game one. Kelsey Timmo suffered the loss on the mound. She allowed the three runs on six hits with one walk and six strikeouts.
In game two, Concordia took advantage of four DWU errors and used timely hitting to secure the 5-3 win.
The Bulldogs grabbed a 3-0 lead in the fourth. Amanda Beeson (Waverly, Neb.) reached on an error, and Natalie Svoboda (Lincoln, Neb.) walked. Alyssa Bauwens (Perryville, Mo.) followed with a 3-run homer to put Concordia on top.
Dakota Wesleyan scored single runs in the fourth and sixth innings to cut the Concordia lead to one at 3-2. Veronica Nek had a sacrifice fly in the fourth, and Timmo delivered an RBI double for DWU in the sixth.
Concordia answered with a pair of runs in the top of the seventh. Angela Harstad (Lewiston, Minn.) reached on an error to lead off the inning. Eloge drove her in with an RBI double. Mapes drove in Eloge later in the inning with an RBI single.
DWU scored a single run in the bottom of the seventh, but the Bulldogs held on for the 5-3 victory.
The Bulldogs totaled seven hits in game two. Eloge was 3-for-4 with a run scored, and Bauwens was 2-for-4 with a run scored and three RBI’s. Nicole Sempek (Columbus, Neb.) improved to 10-2 with the win on the mound. She allowed three runs on eight hits with nine strikeouts in her 10th complete game of the season.
Concordia hosts Nebraska Wesleyan on April 6. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Plum Creek Park.
Whiteout day scheduled for Wednesday as Bulldogs host Nebraska Wesleyan
5 APR 2011
The Concordia University softball team hosts Nebraska Wesleyan University on Wednesday in a key GPAC doubleheader beginning at 5 pm at Plum Creek Park.
The Bulldogs invite fans to be a part of Whiteout Weenie Wednesday. Fans are encouraged to wear white to support the Bulldogs as they take on the Prairie Wolves. Fans wearing white will get a free hot dog.
Concordia has rattled off four straight wins and is 18-8 on the season. The Bulldogs are first in the conference standings with a 7-1 mark. Concordia swept Midland University and Dakota Wesleyan University in the past week.
Nebraska Wesleyan is 17-3 overall. The Prairie Wolves are 5-3 in the GPAC following a sweep of Morningside College on April 3.
Fans unable to attend can catch a live audio webcast of the games on the Concordia Sports Network.
Concordia drops two at home to Nebraska Wesleyan
7 APR 2011
Nebraska Wesleyan University 8, Concordia University 1 (view stats)
Nebraska Wesleyan University 9, Concordia University 0 (6) (view stats)
Nebraska Wesleyan earned a key GPAC softball sweep over Concordia University on Wednesday evening in Seward. Scores of the games were 8-1 and 9-0. NWU improved to 19-3 overall and 7-3 in the GPAC. Concordia dropped to 18-10 overall and 7-3 in the GPAC.
The visiting Prairie Wolves had little trouble with Bulldog pitching, and the Concordia offense struggled to get anything going. NWU totaled 23 hits on the night, while Concordia managed just six hits in game one and one hit in game two.
Clarissa Eloge (Rising City, Neb.) got the Bulldogs off to a nice start in game one. The senior connected on a solo homer in the bottom of the first to put Concordia on top.
The lead didn’t last long, as Nebraska Wesleyan took a 2-1 lead in the third inning on a 2-run single by Lauren Bodfield. The Prairie Wolves tacked on three more runs in the fourth. Megan Beckstead had a 2-run single, and Dani Bryant added an RBI single in the inning as NWU grabbed a 5-1 lead.
The Prairie Wolves scored three more insurance runs in the fifth. Jessica Weingarten scored on a wild pitch, and Beckstead delivered her second 2-run single of the game for the final of 8-1.
Brenna Maguire was in total control on the mound for NWU. She improved to 8-1 on the season and allowed just the one run on six hits with two walks and nine strikeouts. Beckstead was 2-for-4 with a run scored and four RBI’s for NWU offensively.
Elizabeth Young (Grand Prairie, Texas) suffered the loss for Concordia and dropped to 5-3 on the year. Young struck out five batters in the first two innings. However, the freshman allowed the eight runs on 10 hits with four walks and seven strikeouts in five innings of work. Eloge and Nicole Mapes (Greeley, Colo.) each had two hits for Concordia offensively in game one.
In game two, Wesleyan took a lead in the third inning and pulled away late for the 9-0 win in six innings. The Prairie Wolves pounded 13 hits in the contest and got a strong start from Alysia Wittmaack on the mound.
The Prairie Wolves took a 2-0 lead in the third inning. Bryant singled with two outs in the inning. Beckstead followed with an RBI triple, and Marcia Kennedy added an RBI single to score Beckstead.
NWU scored two more runs in the fifth, and the Prairie Wolves did their damage with two outs in the inning. Beckstead and Kennedy each had RBI singles in the inning.
The game got away from Concordia in the top of the sixth, as Nebraska Wesleyan plated five runs on five hits and one Bulldog error. Beckstead and Kennedy continued to pound the ball and each delivered 2-run doubles in the NWU sixth.
Nebraska Wesleyan pitcher Alysia Wittmaack totally shut down the Concordia offense in game two. She flirted with a perfect game and didn’t allow a hit until the sixth inning. Concordia’s Natalie Svoboda (Lincoln, Neb.) hit a one-hop line drive that the NWU shortstop was unable to come up with. Wittmaack allowed just that one hit with no walks and six strikeouts to improve to 2-0 on the season.
Nicole Sempek (Columbus, Neb.) took the loss on the mound for Concordia. Sempek (10-3) allowed the nine runs and 13 hits with no walks and seven strikeouts.
Concordia returns to action on April 12 with two games at Hastings College. First pitch is scheduled for 5 pm in Hastings.
Eloge and Sempek pick up GPAC honors
7 APR 2011
Concordia’s Clarissa Eloge and Nicole Sempek earned GPAC Player and Pitcher-of-the-Week honors on Wednesday for the week of March 27-April 3. The Bulldogs went 4-0 on the week.
Eloge (Rising City, Neb.) hit .467 (7-of-15) with two doubles and four RBI’s in the four wins over Midland University and Dakota Wesleyan. So far this season, Eloge leads the team with a .488 average. She also leads Concordia in doubles (9), RBI’s (18), on-base percentage (.564) and stolen bases (8).
Sempek (Columbus, Neb.) went 2-0 and totaled 20 strikeouts on the week. She allowed just one run on three hits with 11 strikeouts in Concordia’s 8-1 win over Midland University on March 31. Sempek is 10-3 so far this season with a 2.92 ERA. She has 11 complete games and 93 strikeouts in 86.1 innings of work.
Concordia is 18-10 overall and 7-3 in conference play. The Bulldogs travel to Hastings College on April 12.
Bulldogs stay on top in GPAC standings with sweep of Hastings College
13 APR 2011
Concordia University 7, Hastings College 2 (view stats)
Concordia University 7, Hastings College 2 (view stats)
Concordia University picked up a pair of 7-2 GPAC softball wins over Hastings College on Tuesday evening in Hastings. The Bulldogs improved to 20-10 overall and remained on top in the GPAC standings with a 9-3 mark. Hastings slipped to 16-14 overall and 5-5 in GPAC play.
Game one saw Concordia pull away for the win in the final two innings. The Bulldogs took a 2-0 lead in the top of the fourth with three consecutive doubles to start the inning. Nicole Baker (Arvada, Colo.) started the inning with a double, and she scored on an RBI double by Mikaela Klein (Grand Island, Neb.). Clarissa Eloge (Rising City, Neb.) followed with an RBI double that scored Klein, and Concordia had the 2-0 advantage.
The lead was short lived, as Hastings quickly responded with two runs of their own in the bottom of the fourth. The Broncos totaled three hits in the inning and also took advantage of a Concordia error. Molly Mullervy had an RBI single in the inning for Hastings.
Concordia reclaimed the lead in the sixth inning. With one out, Baker reached on a Hastings College error and advanced to second on a stolen base. With two outs in the inning, Eloge delivered a clutch RBI double to give the Bulldogs a 3-2 lead.
From there, the Bulldogs poured it on in the top of the seventh, scoring four runs on five hits for the final score of 7-2. Shelby Morose (Claremore, Okla.), Natalie Svoboda (Lincoln, Neb.) and Klein all had RBI singles, while Baker added an RBI sacrifice fly in the Concordia seventh.
Amanda Beeson (Waverly, Neb.) improved to 4-4 with the win on the mound. She allowed the two runs (one earned) on five hits with no walks and five strikeouts. Eloge and Klein had two hits and two RBI’s apiece to lead the way offensively.
Concordia trailed early but rallied in the late innings for the win in game two. The Broncos jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Rochelle Finnigan delivered an RBI double, and Candice Connolly added an RBI single in the inning for Hastings.
The score remained the same until the top of the fifth. Concordia scored six runs on six hits and one Hastings error to take control of the game. Morose and Svoboda singled to lead off the inning. Baker followed with an RBI double. Eloge added a 2-run double and following a walk to Nicole Mapes (Greeley, Colo.), Alyssa Bauwens (Perryville, Mo.) connected on a 3-run homer to give Concordia a 6-2 advantage.
The Bulldogs added an insurance run in the sixth. With two outs in the inning, Klein smacked a solo homer for the final score of 7-2. Concordia finished with 13 hits in the game. Bauwens was 3-for-4 with three RBI’s and a run scored to lead the way. Eloge was 2-for-4 with a run scored and two RBI’s, while Mapes also had two hits in the win.
Nicole Sempek (Columbus, Neb.) worked all seven innings to pick up the win on the mound. It was Sempek’s 50th career win in a Bulldog uniform. The junior allowed the two runs on eight hits with one walk and three strikeouts to improve to 11-3 on the year.
Concordia hosts Northwestern College on April 15. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Plum Creek Park. Sioux Falls comes to Seward on April 16 with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m. There will be audio webcasts of the April 15 games.
Softball schedule changes announced
15 APR 2011
Saturday’s scheduled GPAC softball games vs. Sioux Falls have been postponed until Wednesday (April 20). First pitch is set for 5 p.m. at Plum Creek Park. Concordia was scheduled to host York College on April 20, but those games will no longer take place. The Bulldogs host Northwestern College on Monday beginning at 2 p.m. in Seward.
Bulldogs fall to 5-7 at home with GPAC losses to Northwestern
18 APR 2011
Northwestern College 8, Concordia University 6 (10) (view stats)
Northwestern College 5, Concordia University 4 (9) (view stats)
Northwestern College picked up a surprising GPAC softball sweep over Concordia on Monday in Seward. Scores of the games were 8-6 (10 innings) and 5-4 (nine innings). The losses dropped Concordia, now 20-12 overall and 9-5 in the GPAC, to third place in the conference standings. Northwestern improved to 10-16 overall and 6-6 in the GPAC with the wins.
Concordia jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning of game one. Alyssa Bauwens (Perryville, Mo.) had an RBI single, and Clarissa Eloge (Rising City, Neb.) scored on a Northwestern error in the inning.
Northwestern cut into the lead in the top of the second with a solo homer by catcher Shelby Johnson. Shelby Morose (Claremore, Okla.) answered with a solo homer for Concordia in the bottom of the second.
The Bulldog lead was cut to one in the fourth inning. Jordan Bhiele had an RBI double for the Raiders, and Northwestern tied the game at 3-3 with a run in the top of the seventh. With two outs in the inning, Kami Kuhlmann and Glory Benson had back-to-back doubles to send the game into extra innings.
In the top of the ninth, Northwestern plated three runs on three hits to grab a 6-3 lead. Johnson knocked in all three runs with a double, but Concordia didn’t go away. The Bulldogs tied the game in the bottom of the ninth, scoring three runs on four hits. Nicole Mapes (Greeley, Colo.) knocked in two with a single up the middle, and Natalie Svoboda tied the game with an RBI single later in the inning.
Northwestern scored a pair of runs with two outs in the top of the 10th. Katie VandeVoort slapped an RBI single down the right field line, and Heidi Esdohr added an RBI single for the Raiders. Concordia tried to rally in the bottom of the 10th, but the Bulldogs left the bases loaded.
VandeVoort picked up the win on the mound for Northwestern. She allowed the six runs (five earned) on 14 hits with six walks and seven strikeouts. Amanda Beeson (Waverly, Neb.) took the loss and dropped to 4-5. She allowed the eight runs (seven earned) on 14 hits with three walks and 10 strikeouts.
Johnson was the offensive star for Northwestern. She went 4-for-5 with four RBI’s. Mikaela Klein (Grand Island, Neb.) had four hits, and Bauwens added three hits offensively for Concordia in the loss. The Bulldogs left 14 on base in the game.
Concordia again grabbed an early lead in the first inning of game two. Svoboda singled and later scored on an RBI single by Beeson.
Each team scored single runs in the second inning. VandeVoort had an RBI double for Northwestern, and Concordia scored via a Raider error in the bottom of the inning.
Northwestern tied the game in the top of the third. Kuhlmann delivered an RBI single to score Esdohr, who doubled to lead off the inning.
The Bulldogs reclaimed the lead in the fifth. Amanda Baldwin (Wilber, Neb.) singled and advanced to second on a Northwestern throwing error. Nicole Baker (Arvada, Colo.) followed with an RBI single to give Concordia a 3-2 advantage.
The Concordia lead didn’t last long, as the Raiders scored twice in the sixth. Lindsey Remien had an RBI double, and Jessica Hooper delivered a pinch hit RBI single to put Northwestern on top by the score of 4-3.
Concordia had an answer in the bottom of the sixth. Beeson walked, and a single by Mapes put runners at second and third with one out. Amber Topil (Seward, Neb.) came through with a sacrifice fly to tie the game.
The score remained the same until the top of the ninth. With one out, VandeVoort doubled to left field. A Concordia error allowed the eventual game-winning run to score. Rachel Harris hit a grounder to third, and Bauwens couldn’t come up with the throw at first. The error allowed VandeVoort to score from second.
Concordia placed runners on second and third with just one out in the bottom of the ninth. However, Keeley Bracelin forced two Concordia pop ups on the infield to end the game.
Northwestern totaled 12 hits in game two and won despite committing three errors. Kuhlmann had three hits and an RBI to lead the way offensively, while Bracelin worked all nine innings on the mound to improve to 6-5.
Baker, Mapes and Baldwin all had two hits for Concordia. Nicole Sempek (Columbus, Neb.) dropped to 11-4 with the loss. She allowed the five runs (four earned) on 12 hits with no walks and 14 strikeouts.
Concordia hosts Sioux Falls on Wednesday. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Plum Creek Park.
Bulldogs sweep past Sioux Falls
20 APR 2011
Concordia University 1, Sioux Falls 0 (view stats)
Concordia University 2, Sioux Falls 1 (view stats)
Concordia University celebrated Senior Night with a much needed GPAC softball sweep over Sioux Falls on Wednesday evening in Seward. Scores were 1-0 and 2-1. The wins improved Concordia to 22-12 overall and 11-5 in the GPAC. Sioux Falls dropped to 6-16 overall and 4-10 in the GPAC.
Game one was a pitching dual between Amanda Beeson and Bailey Bouman. Concordia scored the lone run of the game in the bottom of the seventh. With one out in the inning, Beeson (Waverly, Neb.) doubled. Alyssa Bauwens (Perryville, Mo.) followed with a game-winning RBI single through the left side of the infield.
Concordia finished with just five hits in the game, but Beeson was solid on the mound. The freshman improved to 5-5 on the year with the shutout. She allowed just four hits with one walk and 11 strikeouts. Bouman was also impressive, allowing just the one run with one walk and three strikeouts for the Cougars.
Pitching continued to dominate in game two, as the teams combined for just eight hits in the contest. Bouman was again solid on the mound for USF, while Nicole Sempek (Columbus, Neb.) was in control on the mound for the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs grabbed a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second. Mikaela Klein (Grand Island, Neb.) led off the inning with a double. Beeson followed with an RBI single to put Concordia on top.
Sioux Falls tied the game with an unearned run in the third. Baylee Washburn led off the inning with a single and stole second. Shae Reinke then reached on a Bulldog throwing error, and Washburn scored to tie the game at 1-1.
The score remained the same until the sixth inning. Concordia dodged potential trouble in the top of the inning. The Cougars put runners at second and third with two outs, but Sempek got Jamie Sorensen to ground out to end the inning.
In the bottom of the sixth, Bulldog senior Clarissa Eloge (Rising City, Neb.) doubled to lead off the inning. Following a groundout, Beeson walked to put runners at first and second. Eloge was forced out on a fielder’s choice, which left runners at first and second with two outs. From there, Bouman had trouble finding the strike zone. Nicole Mapes (Greeley, Colo.) drew a walk to load the bases, and Amber Topil (Seward, Neb.) walked to drive in Beeson. The Bulldogs took a 2-1 lead on just one hit and three walks. Sempek shut down the Cougars in order in the top of the seventh, and Concordia secured the sweep.
Concordia finished with five hits in game two. Eloge was 2-for-3 to lead the way. Sempek (12-4) allowed just the one unearned run on three hits with no walks and five strikeouts to pick up the win on the mound.
The Bulldogs return to action on April 27 at Doane College.
Tiger Sports Network to cover today's softball games at Doane
27 APR 2011
There will be live broadcasts of the Concordia and Doane College softball games today in Crete. Rick Schmuecker will call the action on the Tiger Sports Network. Game one is scheduled to begin at 3:45 in Crete. Fans unable to attend the games can catch the broadcasts at the following link: http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/doane.portal#
Concordia takes a 22-12 overall record (11-5 GPAC) into today’s games. The Tigers are just 11-20 overall but are 8-6 in conference play so far this year.
Concordia and Doane split GPAC softball games
27 APR 2011
Concordia University 8, Doane College 6 (view stats)
Doane College 4, Concordia University 3 (9) (view stats)
Concordia University and Doane College split two softball games on Wednesday in Crete. Concordia rallied for an 8-6 win in game one, and Doane picked up a 4-3 win in nine innings in game two. Following the split, Concordia moved to 23-13 overall and 12-6 in the GPAC. Doane moved to 12-21 overall and 9-7 in the GPAC.
Doane College used a huge first inning to take an early lead in game one. Gina Falciani walked with one out in the inning, and a single by Christy Kobza put runners at first and second. A passed ball advanced the runners to second and third. Brooke Sampson followed with an RBI infield single to plate Falciani. Following a stolen base by Sampson, Shelby Mendlik drove in two with a single up the middle. Kylie Garrett added an RBI single, and Amber Stater’s RBI double put Doane on top by the score of 5-0.
Concordia scored five runs of their own in the top of the third. Shelby Morose (Claremore, Okla.) singled with one out. Nicole Baker (Arvada, Colo.) followed with her fifth homer of the year to pull the Bulldogs within three. Concordia kept the pressure on, as Natalie Svoboda (Lincoln, Neb.) followed with a double. Following an intentional walk to Clarissa Eloge (Rising City, Neb.), Mikaela Klein (Grand Island, Neb.) delivered an RBI single to score Svoboda. Eloge also scored via error on the play, and Concordia trailed by just one at 5-4. Klein’s hit forced Doane starter Megan Wingate out of the game. An RBI single by Alyssa Bauwens (Perryville, Mo.) tied the game at 5-5.
The Bulldogs grabbed the lead with a single run in the top of the fifth. Svoboda reached on an error to lead off the inning. Following a sacrifice bunt by Eloge, an RBI double by Klein gave Concordia a 6-5 lead. Doane quickly responded in the bottom of the fifth. Kobza led off the inning with a single, and a double by Mendlik put runners at second and third with one out. A sacrifice fly by Alyssa Maraia tied the game at 6-6.
In the top of the seventh, Concordia took an 8-6 advantage on a 2-run homer by Klein. Svoboda reached on a single with one out. Following a fielder’s choice, Klein’s fifth homer of the year turned out to be the game-winner for the Bulldogs.
Amanda Beeson (Waverly, Neb.) improved to 6-5 on the year with the win. She settled down after allowing the five runs on five hits in the first inning. Beeson allowed the six runs on 11 hits with two walks and four strikeouts. Klein was the offensive star of game one. She went 3-for-4 with a run scored and four RBI’s.
Jenna Alswager suffered the loss in relief for Doane. Mendlik went 3-for-4 with two RBI’s for the Tigers in the loss.
Concordia took an early lead in game two. In the top of the first, Baker was hit by a pitch and stole second. Later in the inning, the combination of Eloge and Klein came through again. The duo delivered back-to-back RBI doubles to put Concordia on top 2-0. In the top of the second, Nicole Mapes (Greeley, Colo.) hit her first homer of the season to increase the Concordia lead to 3-0.
The score remained the same until the bottom of the fourth. Mendlik led off the inning with her ninth homer of the season for the Tigers, and Concordia’s lead was cut to two at 3-1.
Doane tied the game in the fifth inning. Kati Mosley reached on an error to lead off the inning. An RBI single by Falciani later in the inning scored Mosley to make the score 3-2. Following a walk to Mendlik, Kobza scored Falciani with an RBI single. The throw beat Falciani to home plate. However, the ball was knocked loose from Amber Topil’s (Seward, Neb.) glove, and the game was tied at 3-3.
Concordia missed a golden opportunity in the sixth. The Bulldogs placed runners at first and second with nobody out. However, back-to-back strikeouts and a pop out ended the inning with no damage done.
The game went to extra innings, and Doane picked up the win in the bottom of the ninth. Andrea Gonzales had an infield single with one out in the inning. Falciani followed with an RBI double to right center. Gonzales scored from first, and Doane secured the 4-3 win.
Doane finished with eight hits in the game compared to just four for Concordia. The Bulldogs struggled offensively after the first two innings. Defensive mistakes also proved very costly for Concordia in the loss, as the Bulldogs committed five errors in the contest.
Kylie Garrett picked up the win on the mound and improved to 5-4. She went the distance, allowing the three runs and four hits with no walks and four strikeouts. Falciani went 3-for-4 with two RBI’s and a run scored for Doane offensively.
Nicole Sempek (Columbus, Neb.) dropped to 12-5 on the year with the loss. She allowed the four runs, but only two of the runs were earned. Sempek walked two and struck out three in 8.1 innings of work. Eloge went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored for the Bulldogs in the loss.
Concordia travels to Morningside College and Mount Marty College on April 29 and 30.
Webcasts available for Friday softball at Morningside College
29 APR 2011
Audio webcasts will be available for the Concordia University at Morningside College softball games this afternoon in Sioux City. Mike Meyer will call all the action. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.
The Bulldogs are still fighting for positioning in the upcoming GPAC softball tournament. Concordia is currently 23-13 overall and third in the standings with a 12-6 conference record. Morningside College, currently the top team in the GPAC standings, is 33-8 overall and 14-4 in GPAC play.
Nebraska Wesleyan is 13-5 in the GPAC and sits just ahead of Concordia in the standings. Dordt College and Doane College are just behind Concordia with 11-7 conference records entering the final weekend of regular season play.
Bulldogs swept by Morningside College
29 APR 2011
Morningside College 5, Concordia University 4 (view stats)
Morningside College 7, Concordia University 0 (view stats)
Concordia University and Morningside College battled in a GPAC softball doubleheader today on a windy day in Sioux City. Morningside swept the Bulldogs to increase their lead in the GPAC standings. Scores were 5-4 and 7-0. With the wins, the Mustangs improved to 35-8 overall and 16-4 in conference play. Concordia has now lost three straight and dropped to 23-15 overall and 12-8 in conference play.
Morningside rallied for the win in game one. Concordia took an early lead in the top of the first inning. With one out, Natalie Svoboda (Lincoln, Neb.) smacked a solo homer to give Concordia a 1-0 advantage. It was Svoboda’s third homer of the year. Morningside answered with a solo homer in the third. Kati Steffen’s sixth blast of the year tied the score at 1-1.
The Bulldogs took a 3-1 advantage in the top of the fifth. Alyssa Bauwens (Perryville, Mo.) reached base with a double. With two outs in the inning, freshman Amber Topil (Seward, Neb.) came through with a 2-run homer to center. It was Topil’s first homer of the year.
Concordia added to its lead with another run in the sixth inning. Nicole Baker (Arvada, Colo.) and Svoboda singled to lead off the inning. A Morningside error allowed Baker to score, and Concordia took a 4-1 lead. Concordia still had runners at second and third with nobody out, but the Bulldogs were unable to capitalize. Mikaela Klein (Grand Island, Neb.) lined out to second. Nicole Mapes (Greeley, Colo.) grounded out to third, and Bauwens grounded out to the pitcher to end the inning.
The Mustangs used three hits and a Concordia error to take the lead in the bottom of the sixth. Alison Kusler doubled to lead off the inning, and a Concordia throwing error put runners at second and third. A sacrifice fly by Kylie Helmink made the score 4-2. Jordan Johnson followed with a 2-run homer to center which tied the game at 4-4. Johnson’s homer forced Bulldog starter Amanda Beeson out of the game, and Nicole Sempek entered in relief. In the first at bat following the pitching change, Mackenzie Neely delivered a solo homer to center to put Morningside on top. The Bulldogs were unable to rally in the seventh.
Concordia totaled seven hits in the loss. Svoboda had two hits with an RBI and a run scored. Beeson allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits with four strikeouts in 5.1 innings of work. Sempek (Columbus, Neb.) took the loss in relief and dropped to 12-6. Emma Remy improved to 15-2 with the win for Morningside. She went the distance and allowed four runs (three earned) and the seven hits with three strikeouts.
The Bulldog offense was nonexistent in game two, and Morningside used two big innings to pull away for the 7-0 win. Concordia finished with just one hit off Jordan Johnson, who improved to 14-4 on the mound for the Mustangs. Johnson worked all seven innings and struck out six.
Morningside took a 3-0 lead in the fourth on a 3-run blast by Kirsten Dargy. The Mustangs tacked on four more in the fifth. Johnson had an RBI single, and Courtney Vaughn added a 2-run double in the Morningside fifth inning.
Baker had the only hit of the game for Concordia. Sempek dropped to 12-7 with the loss. She allowed the seven runs on seven hits with three walks and five strikeouts in six innings of work.
Vaughn was the offensive star of the game for Morningside. She was a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBI’s and a run scored.
Concordia travels to Mount Marty College on Saturday to conclude regular season play. Game one is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. in Yankton. The Concordia Sports Network will cover the games with audio webcasts. Mike Meyer will call the action.
Saturday games vs. Mt. Marty moved to 3 p.m. in Sioux City
30 APR 2011
There has been a schedule change announced for today’s softball games against Mount Marty. Due to rain, the games have been moved to Sioux City and will now begin at 3 p.m. The Concordia Sports Network will still provide audio webcasts of the games with Mike Meyer calling the action.
Bulldogs finish regular season with sweep of Mount Marty
30 APR 2011
Concordia University 4, Mount Marty College 0 (view stats)
Concordia University 5, Mount Marty College 3 (view stats)
Concordia University picked up 4-0 and 5-3 softball wins over Mount Marty on Saturday in games played at Sioux City. With the wins, Concordia finished the regular season with a 25-15 overall record and a 14-8 mark in the GPAC. Mount Marty dropped to 8-24 overall and 6-14 in conference play.
Concordia scattered nine hits offensively and used a strong pitching performance from Nicole Sempek to pick up the 4-0 win in game one. The Bulldogs scored single runs in the first, second, fourth and sixth innings. Natalie Svoboda (Lincoln, Neb.) delivered an RBI single in the first, and Amanda Baldwin (Wilber, Neb.) added an RBI single in the second. Svoboda added another RBI single in the fourth, and Concordia’s fourth run of the game was an unearned run in the sixth.
Nicole Baker (Arvada, Colo.) and Svoboda each had two hits to pace the Bulldog offense in the win. Sempek (Columbus, Neb.) was in cruise control on the mound for Concordia. Mount Marty finished with just two hits (both in the third inning). Sempek didn’t walk anyone and struck out 10 in the game.
The Bulldogs needed a big seventh inning to pick up the 5-3 win in game two. The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the fourth. Mount Marty plated an unearned run to take a 1-0 lead. Concordia tied the game in the sixth on an RBI single by Mikaela Klein (Grand Island, Neb.). The Bulldogs also took advantage of two Mount Marty errors in the inning.
In the top of the seventh, Concordia scored four runs on four hits and two more Mount Marty errors. Kelsey Timmerman (O’Neill, Neb.) and Natalie Svoboda each had RBI singles to highlight the inning for the Bulldogs. Mount Marty scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the seventh to make things interesting, but Concordia held on for the victory.
Klein was 2-for-4 with an RBI to lead the way offensively for Concordia. Five different players drove in single runs for the Bulldogs. Sempek again picked up the win on the mound in game two. She worked all seven innings and allowed the three runs (two earned) on seven hits with one walk and three strikeouts.
Concordia will advance to the GPAC Tournament to be held in Sioux City from May 5-7.
Concordia opens play in GPAC Softball Tournament on Thursday
3 MAY 2011
Concordia University opens play in the 2011 GPAC Softball Tournament on Thursday. Concordia will face Northwestern College in the opening round at 2 p.m. This year’s GPAC Tournament will take place at the SYA Softball Complex in Sioux City. The top eight teams in the conference advanced to the double-elimination tournament.
Concordia finished the regular season with an overall record of 25-15. The Bulldogs were 14-8 in GPAC play. Northwestern College was 16-20 overall in the regular season with a 12-10 mark in GPAC play. The Red Raiders won both regular season meetings between the two schools.
The Concordia Sports Network will provide live audio webcasts of the Concordia GPAC Tournament games. Mike Meyer will call all the action from Sioux City.
2011 GPAC Softball Championship
Sioux City, Iowa - SYA Complex (Riverside)
May 5-7, 2011
Day One -Thursday, May 5, 2011
SYA Complex
(Games 1 - 8)
Records- (Overall, GPAC)
Game 1-
Field 2, 2:00 pm
(1) Morningside (39-8, 18-4) vs. (8) Hastings (20-23, 9-13)
Game 2-
Field 4, 2:00 pm
(4) Concordia (25-15, 14-8) vs. (5) Northwestern (16-20, 12-10)
Game 3-
Field 3, 2:00 pm
(3) Dordt (17-14, 13-7) vs. (6) Doane (14-25, 11-11)
Game 4-
Field 1, 2:00 pm
(2) Nebraska Wesleyan (27-7, 15-7) vs. (7) Midland (16-29, 9-13)
Game 5-
Field 4, 4:00 pm
Loser 1 vs. Loser 2 (elimination game)
Game 6-
Field 3, 4:00 pm
Loser 3 vs. Loser 4 (elimination game)
Game 7-
Field 2, 4:00 pm
Winner 1 vs. Winner 2
Game 8-
Field 1, 4:00 pm
Winner 3 vs. Winner 4
Day Two - Friday, May 6, 2011
SYA Complex
(Games 9-13)
Game 9-
Field 1, 2:00 pm
Loser 8 vs. Winner 5 (elimination game)
Game 10-
Field 3, 2:00 pm
Loser 7 vs. Winner 6 (elimination game)
Game 11-
Field 1, 4:00 pm
Winner 7 vs. Winner 8 (winners bracket championship)
Game 12-
Field 3, 4:00 pm
Winner 9 vs. Winner 10 (elimination game)
Game 13-
Field 1, 6:00 pm
Loser 11 vs. Winner 12 (loser's bracket championship)
Day Three - Saturday, May 7, 2011
SYA Complex
(Game 14) (Game 15 if needed)
Game 14-
Field 2, NOON
Winner 11 vs. Winner 13 (Championship #1)
Game 15-
Field 2, 2:00 pm
(Championship #2 - If Needed)
Concordia shuts down Northwestern and Morningside on opening day of GPAC Tournament
5 MAY 2011
Concordia University 7, Northwestern College 1 (view stats)
Concordia University 3, Morningside College 0 (view stats)
Concordia University is in the driver’s seat at the 2011 GPAC Softball Tournament following a pair of wins on Thursday in Sioux City. With victories over Northwestern College (7-1) and top-seeded Morningside College (3-0), Concordia advanced to the winner’s bracket championship game on Friday at 4 p.m.
The Bulldogs will face Midland University, the only other remaining undefeated team in the tournament. The Warriors upset #2 Nebraska Wesleyan (3-2 in eight innings) and #3 Dordt College (10-5 in eight innings) to advance to the winner’s bracket championship. Concordia defeated Midland twice in Fremont earlier this season. With a win over the Warriors on Friday, Concordia would advance to Saturday’s Championship Game.
The Bulldogs, now 27-15 on the year, got a measure of revenge with Thursday’s wins over Northwestern and Morningside. The Bulldogs were 0-4 against the two teams during the regular season. Last month, Northwestern picked up two wins over the Bulldogs in Seward. Concordia suffered two losses at Morningside last week.
Concordia finished with eight hits and took advantage of some shaky Northwestern defense in the first game of the day. The Bulldogs scored in each of the first three innings to take control of the game.
In the first, Concordia used a hit and a Northwestern error to grab a 1-0 lead. With two outs in the inning, Clarissa Eloge (Rising City, Neb.) singled. Mikaela Klein (Grand Island, Neb.) then reached on an error that allowed Eloge to score the first run of the game.
The Bulldogs added two runs in the second and third innings. Nicole Baker (Arvada, Colo.) and Natalie Svoboda (Lincoln, Neb.) each had RBI singles in the second, and Amanda Baldwin (Wilber, Neb.) delivered a 2-run single in the third.
Concordia tacked on two more insurance runs in the fifth. Kelsey Timmerman (O'Neill, Neb.) and Baker each had RBI singles in the inning. Northwestern scored its only run of the game in the top of the seventh on a solo homer by Alex Price. Bulldog starter Nicole Sempek (Columbus, Neb.) allowed just four hits and struck out nine as she moved to 15-7 on the year with the win. Baker was 3-for-4 with two driven in, and Baldwin added two hits for the Bulldogs offensively.
In the second game of the day, Concordia scored single runs in the first three innings and used another strong pitching performance by Sempek to pick up the shutout win over Morningside. Morningside, now 40-9 on the season, totaled seven hits and put runners on in every inning. However, the Mustangs left 10 on base in the loss.
The Bulldogs took advantage of Morningside mistakes to score in the top of the first. Baker reached on an error to lead off the game. Svoboda walked, and a sacrifice bunt by Eloge put runners at second and third. A wild pitch by Morningside starter Jordan Johnson plated Baker and put the Bulldogs on top.
In the top of the second, Baldwin hit her first homer of the year, a solo shot to left, to put Concordia up by the score of 2-0. The Bulldogs added another run in the third. Eloge doubled and scored on an RBI single by Alyssa Bauwens (Perryville, Mo.).
The Mustangs left two on base in the third, fourth and fifth innings and one on base in the sixth and seventh innings. Morningside couldn’t come up with the key hits, and Sempek and the Bulldog defense stayed strong down the stretch to secure the victory.
Sempek picked up her second win of the day to improve to 16-7 on the year, allowing the seven hits with one walk and six strikeouts. Concordia finished with eight hits in the win. Eloge was a perfect 3-for-3 with a run scored, and Bauwens added two hits and an RBI for the Bulldogs.
Johnson suffered the loss on the mound for the Mustangs. She allowed the three runs (two earned) and eight hits with two walks and eight strikeouts. Johnson also went 3-for-4 at the plate, while Courtney Vaughn was 2-for-3 at the plate for Morningside.
Bulldogs bow out of GPAC Tournament with losses to Midland and Morningside
6 MAY 2011
Midland University 1, Concordia University 0 (view stats)
Morningside College 5, Concordia University 1 (view stats)
Concordia’s run at a GPAC Tournament Championship and a trip to the NAIA National Tournament fell short on Friday, as the Bulldogs dropped two games and were eliminated from tournament play. Midland University picked up a 1-0 win over Concordia in the winner’s bracket championship game on Friday afternoon. The Bulldogs then lost to Morningside College by the score of 5-1 in the loser’s bracket championship game on Friday evening. Concordia ends the 2011 campaign with a 27-17 record.
With the 5-1 win over the Bulldogs, Morningside advanced to Saturday’s championship game against Midland. Morningside would have to defeat Midland twice to win the tournament championship. However, the Mustangs already qualified for Nationals by winning the GPAC regular season title. Therefore, both Morningside and Midland will represent the GPAC at this year’s NAIA Championships.
Concordia entered Friday’s action as one of two remaining undefeated teams in the tournament. The Bulldogs earned wins over Northwestern and Morningside on the opening day of tournament action. With a win over Midland, Concordia would have clinched a spot in the tournament championship on Saturday. The Bulldog offense struggled in both games, however, and Midland and Morningside took advantage.
Midland and Concordia combined for just seven hits, as pitchers Lyndsi Eckelberry and Nicole Sempek controlled the game. Midland scored the only run of the game in the top of the sixth. Shannon DePuy led off the inning with a double. Following a sacrifice bunt by Kendall Mayher, Kali Reinsch delivered what would be the game-winning RBI single.
Concordia’s best chance to score came in the bottom of the sixth. Nicole Mapes (Greeley, Colo.) and Natalie Svoboda (Lincoln, Neb.) each singled in the inning to put runners at first and second with two outs. However, Eckelberry struck out Clarissa Eloge (Rising City, Neb.) to end the scoring threat. The Bulldogs went down in order in the bottom of the seventh, and Midland held on for the win.
Eckelberry allowed just three hits with no walks and 10 strikeouts to improve to 16-15 on the year. Sempek (Columbus, Neb.) was solid on the mound but suffered the loss to drop to 16-8 on the year. She allowed the one run on four hits with no walks and eight strikeouts. Svoboda, Mapes and Amber Topil (Seward, Neb.) had the only hits for the Concordia offense.
The offensive struggles continued in the 5-1 loss to Morningside, as Emma Remy was in total control on the mound for the Mustangs.
Morningside broke through with three runs in the bottom of the second. The Mustangs used three hits and a key Concordia error to take the lead. Courtney Vaughn singled and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. A single by Emily Wassom put runners at first and third with one out. A Bulldog error plated Vaughn and advanced Wassom to third. Alison Kusler followed with a fielder’s choice RBI groundout to increase the Mustang lead to 2-0. Two batters later, Kylie Helmink delivered an RBI double to make the score 3-0.
The Mustangs poured it on with two more runs in the fourth. Mackenzie Neely had the big hit in the inning with a 2-run single to score Erin Bohlmann and Helmink.
Concordia scored its lone run in the top of the seventh. Topil led off with a double, and following a double by Amanda Baldwin (Wilber, Neb.), Kelsey Timmerman had an RBI sacrifice fly to score pinch runner Ashli Ellis (York, Neb.).
Sempek suffered the loss and finished the season with a 16-9 record. She allowed three runs (just one earned) on three hits and a walk in 1.2 innings of work. Sempek started on the mound in all four tournament games for Concordia. Amanda Beeson (Waverly, Neb.) allowed two runs on four hits with two walks and three strikeouts in 4.1 innings of relief. Nobody had more than one hit for the Bulldogs offensively. Concordia left seven on base in the loss.
For Morningside, Remy improved to 19-2 on the year after allowing just the one run and six hits with one walk and three strikeouts. Helmink was 2-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored, while Neely drove in two for Morningside College.
Concordia places four on 2011 GPAC All-Conference Team
10 MAY 2011
The 2011 Great Plains Athletic Conference Softball All-Conference Team was announced on Tuesday. Concordia seniors Clarissa Eloge and Nicole Baker and juniors Mikaela Klein and Nicole Sempek were first team All-Conference selections.
Eloge (Rising City, Neb.) has been a first team All-GPAC selection for four straight years and was the GPAC Player-of-the-Year in 2009. She finished her Bulldog career in style this year with a solid senior campaign. She led the team in most offensive categories and was one of the top players in the conference. Eloge led the team in batting average (.417), doubles (17), RBI’s (24), on-base percentage (.490) and stolen bases (12). She was tied for the team lead in hits (55) and was second on the team with 30 runs scored. She was one of two Bulldogs to start all 44 games this season.
This is the third straight first team All-Conference selection for Baker (Arvada, Colo.). The senior outfielder appeared in 42 games with 41 starts this season for the Bulldogs. She was second on the team with a .385 average and led the team in at bats (143), runs scored (39), triples (6), total bases (92) and slugging percentage (.643). She was tied for the team lead in hits (55) and homers (5) and was second on the team in doubles (10), RBI’s (23), on-base percentage (.401) and stolen bases (8).
Mikaela Klein (Grand Island, Neb.) appeared in 35 games with 32 starts as a designated player this season. The junior was fifth on the team with a .308 batting average. She was tied for the team lead with five homers and was third on the team in doubles with nine. Klein was tied for third with 21 runs batted in, and her .551 slugging percentage was good for third best on the team.
Sempek (Columbus, Neb.) was one of the top pitchers in the conference again this season. She ranked in the top five in multiple categories including strikeouts (161), wins (16) and appearances (28). She finished the season with a 16-9 overall record to go with a 2.48 ERA. She started 24 games with 21 complete games on the year. Sempek totaled 161 innings and allowed just 64 runs (57 earned) with just 19 walks and the 161 strikeouts. She finished with five shutouts, and batters hit just .236 against her this season. Sempek has 55 wins so far in her Bulldog career.
Concordia finished the 2011 season with a 27-17 overall record with a 14-8 mark in conference play. The Bulldogs advanced to the GPAC Tournament and fell just short of a bid to the NAIA Championships.
2011 softball scholar-athletes announced
24 MAY 2011
The 2011 softball Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes were announced on Tuesday. Concordia University placed five on this year’s list. Nicole Baker (Arvada, Colo.), Mikaela Klein (Grand Island, Neb.), Sam Lafontaine (Hermantown, Minn.), Nicole Mapes (Greeley, Colo.) and Nicole Sempek (Columbus, Neb.) all earned the honor.
This is the second straight Scholar-Athlete award for Baker. She finished her Bulldog career with a strong senior season. Baker was one of the top players on the team and earned first team All-GPAC honors for the third straight year.
Klein tied for the team lead in homers this year for the Bulldogs. She had a solid season as the Bulldog designated player and earned first team All-GPAC honors for her efforts.
Lafontaine appeared in 10 games during the 2011 season. She hit a homer and added four RBI’s and four runs scored in limited action.
Mapes started 36 games in the Bulldog infield in 2011. She finished with a .324 average to go along with 13 runs scored and 17 RBI’s.
Sempek started 24 games on the mound for Concordia in 2011, finishing with a 16-9 record and a 2.48 ERA. She tossed 21 complete games and struck out 161 in 161 innings of work. Sempek was a first team All-GPAC selection.
In order to be nominated by an institution's head coach, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved a junior academic status to qualify for this honor.
Concordia University finished the 2011 season with a 27-17 overall record. The Bulldogs were 14-8 in the Great Plains Athletic Conference.