Scott BresslerWashington University’s softball team only needed one inning to snap their three-game skid and start a three-game winning streak at the St. Louis Invitational.
Wash. U. 5-Maryville 1
The fifth inning proved to be decisive both offensively and defensively against Maryville University. Maryville attempted to break the scoreless deadlock with runners stealing home and second. The runner heading home was quickly caught in a run down by the Bears.
The Red and Green responded by loading the bases quickly with a steady stream of hits in the bottom of the fifth. “Hitting is contagious,” senior Kaylyn Eash said.
The first two runs were scored as sophomores Kerry Kreitman and Ally Berenter drew walks. Senior Amy Vukovich sent a single into center field, driving in two more runs while sophomore Carter Malouf followed up with a double to bring home another.
Eash (1-3) allowed three hits and one run as she picked up her first win of the season.
Wash. U. 4-St. Scholastica 0
The Bears rode the momentum as they battled opponents in the cold. Dedicated fans were bundled in blankets and coats as the unpredictable St. Louis weather buffeted them with blustery winds. “I came to watch the Bears play and to support my friend, Claire [Voris], pitcher and Rookie of the Year,” freshman Ben Jendras said.
Freshman Voris (11-1) pitched a four hit shutout, lowering her season ERA to 2.00. Time and time again, the Saints threatened, but Voris struck out eight batters getting get out of any jams unscathed.
The Bears capitalized on errors by the Saints. Vukovich hit a single down the third base line that was muffed in the outfield allowing two Bears to score.
Kreitman connected in the fifth inning, sending the ball through the legs of the third baseman as Stander came sliding home. This was the first victory for the softball program against the Saints. “Granted, they’re a different team, but it felt nice to give them payback after losing four games in the past two years to them,” Eash said.
Wash. U. 12-Fontbonne 3
Wash. U. obliterated Fontbonne University in five innings by unleashing a steady string of hits and taking advantage of errors. Sophomore Megan Fieser improved to 6-0 on the mound. Vukovich started the scoring with a two RBI blast that went over the right fielder’s head in the first. Eash added two more runs with a homer in the second.
Senior Laura D’Andrea recorded an RBI, as her hit dropped between two fielders. Sophomore Ashton Hitchcock sent a liner down the third base line to cap the third inning with two more RBIs.
The fourth inning proved to be the biggest offensively, as the team scored five runs off of six hits. Stander stole second and advanced all the way home on two consecutive wild pitches.
“We want to play our game each time,” Vukovich said. “Our game is playing aggressively, hitting aggressively and really not playing on our heels, no matter who is on the other side.”
The Bears head to the Hy-Vee Invitational this weekend with games against Coe College, Grinnell College and Nebraska Wesleyan University. “Our season will not be complete till we match our men’s basketball and volleyball teams,” Coach Let said.