On Thursday, April 22, the Bears were supposed to host Illinois College at home for what would be their second to last home stand. The Bears were hoping to pick up two victories on the Thursday doubleheader, increasing the team’s overall record to 32-1. Despite their hopes, however, the game was cancelled due to rain.

Freshman Laurel Sagartz, arguably one of the team’s greatest MVPs, has been one of the biggest contributors. Last weekend, Sagartz picked up two wins over Millikin College and one over 12th-ranked Chicago while earning her first career save in a victory over eighth-ranked Illinois Wesleyan. In 22 innings pitched, she allowed just a single run and two walks while striking out 30 to help lead the third-ranked Bears to a 30-1 mark on the year. Sagartz is 12-0 this season with a 0.26 earned run average, which ranks second in Division III. She has tallied 93 strikeouts and just 11 walks in 80 innings pitched.

Because of her accomplishments, in only her first year as a Bear, she has been named the UAA Athlete of the Week for the fourth straight week, as well as being named the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Co-National Player of the Week for Division III.

Not only is Sagartz responsible for the Bears success, but the entire pitching staff has really been a major source of their tremendous season. The team’s combined ERA is a mere 0.50, allowing only 15 earned runs on the season. With a 196 to 42 strikeout to walk ratio, the pitchers are averaging 4.67 strikeouts to one walk. Opponents are only hitting a .141 average on Bears pitchers.

Offensively, the Bears have been incredible producers as well. Combined, the team batting average is .324 and have amassed 161 runs, 129 RBIs, and a total of 259 hits thus far on the season. Junior Liz Swary has been the only Bear to hit a homerun; she has five on the season. She is also hitting .400 on the year and leads the team in nearly every offensive category, including runs, hits, doubles, RBIs, total bases, and slugging percentage. Sophomore Amanda Roberts leads the team with a .433 batting average and 12 stolen bases.

Today, Friday, April 23, the Bears are taking on Maryville University on the road, trying to improve their record further. In their past meeting on April 9th, the Bears beat Maryville 4-0 as Sagartz two-hit the Bears to victory.

On Saturday, April 24, the Bears will head to Carlinville, Ill., to face Blackburn College. In their last showdown, the Bears romped Blackburn to an easy 8-0 no-hit victory at the 4th Annual Midwest Region Tournament on March 27. Sophomore Ashley Johnson was only one walk away from a perfect game.

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