Softball Sweeps Webster

Washington University’s softball team overcame the elements to shut out Webster University twice on Sunday afternoon.

On a stormy weekend that resulted in a pair of cancelled games on Saturday, the Bears got timely hitting throughout the order and some lights-out pitching on the mound.

“I am happy with how we are playing. I think we have room for improvement, as does any team, but we are starting to find our routine as a team,” senior Corissa Santos said. “Our last few outings have been progressively getting better, and that is all you can ask for.”

In the first game, freshman Alyssa Wilson went two-for-three with three runs batted in to lead Wash. U. past Webster 4-0. Senior Olivia Cook pitched a complete-game, three-hitter to pick up her 11th win of the season.

The Red and Green got going in the first inning with a run off a sacrifice fly from sophomore Maggie Mullen. Cook did not allow a hit until the third inning as the Bears clung to a 1-0 lead.

Wilson came through in the top of the fourth inning with a two-run single to give Cook some more cushion. Wilson singled up the middle again in the sixth inning to plate senior Alyssa Abramoski for the Bears’ fourth and final run.

“The first game I was really seeing the ball all the way in and worried about making solid contact,” Wilson said. “It was working.”

The Red and Green bats came alive immediately in the second game as Wash. U. scored four runs and batted around the order in the first inning.

Santos doubled to right center, scoring junior Ashley Janssen to get things going, and after a single from junior Sondra Polonsky, Abramoski walked to load the bases. A two-out error by Webster shortstop Kristie Konersmann scored Santos and Polonsky, and a double by freshman Adrienne White plated Abramoski.

“The first inning typically sets the tone for the whole game, so coming out and scoring four runs right off the bat is a major momentum killer for the other team,” Santos said. “It also sets an expectation for what we can achieve as a team throughout the rest of the game, so it is really important.”

The scoring didn’t stop as Santos homered to center field to push the lead to 5-0 in the top of the second. White singled in freshman pinch-runner Paige Biles in the top of the fifth inning.

“I don’t really change how I approach each at bat, so I can’t say one thing was working better today than other days,” said Santos, who was four-for-seven on the weekend overall. “I think I was seeing the ball well and was making solid contact.”

Sophomore Kelsey Neal pitched a complete-game, three-hitter for her eighth win of the season. The pair of wins improved the Bears’ record to 22-10.

After the double-header, the team has now been error-free for three straight games.

“I feel like the team’s fielding has been solid lately,” Wilson said. “We all trust each other, which gives us confidence on the field as a team.”

Saturday’s doubleheader against Illinois Wesleyan University was cancelled due to rain. There is no word yet on when, or if, these games will be rescheduled.

Wash. U. hosts Millikin University on Thursday evening for a doubleheader. First pitch is at 4 p.m. at the Washington University Softball Field.

“We have been playing well lately. As long as we keep the intensity up, I feel confident about heading into the end of the season,” Wilson said.