Yellowjackets Drop Two Tightly-Contested Games Versus Baker
April 9, 2007
Box Score Game One Box Score Game Two
Lamoni, IA- After weather delays forced the Graceland University softball team into a week-long layoff from game-action, the Yellowjackets got back on the field Monday afternoon as they played host to Baker University in a HAAC double-header. The Wildcats edged the Jackets in two well-played contests by the scores of 6-5 and 6-3.
The pair of losses evens up GU’s conference record which now stands at 6-6 with an overall record of 19-12.
Game OneThe opener featured a shaky start for GU hurler Carrie Wilson who allowed three runs in the opening frame highlighted by three walks and a two-run single by Baker first-baseman Leslie Kersting. The Cats did more damage in the third inning as they plated two more runs after two were out. After back-to-back singles, Baker sophomore Stephanie Allen delivered an RBI single as the Cats would tack on their other run on an RBI groundout.
The Jackets would do all their offensive damage in the middle innings. A big part of that was the homerun stroke of GU sophomore Maria Barwig. Barwig, a versatile catcher/third-baseman for the Jackets, connected on a homerun to lead off the fourth inning and get the home team on the scoreboard. She would later follow with yet another homerun an inning later, this time a two-run shot that also plated Lindsay Campbell.
Graceland would tally their final two runs in the sixth inning when Haley Montgomery connected on a two-run single plating both Chantelle Daigle and Shayna Schoonover.
With the game tied entering the seventh and final inning, Baker was able to rally for the victory. Andrea Marinari led off the inning with a double and advanced to third on a passed ball. After Wilson retired the next two hitters and walked one, junior Sarah Wright delievered the game-winning hit with an RBI single to put the Wildcats ahead for good.
Wilson, who tallied HAAC pitcher of the week honors the previous week, was tagged with the loss after allowing five earned runs on six hits. Despite her rough start, Wilson settled down to be somewhat effectively wild as she notched six walks and seven strikeouts in the ballgame. Game Two
The second game once again saw Baker jump ahead early as they had a solo run cross the plate in the first. They would tack on two more in their half of the third and fourth innings to jump the lead to 5-0.
Graceland would respond in their half of the fifth inning by scoring a run of their own. Chantelle Daigle doubled to lead off the inning and moved to third on a wild-pitch. After two Jacket batters were retired, Campbell drilled a run-scoring single to give the Jackets their first run of the contest.
After Baker tallied an insurance run in the top of the seventh, the Jackets were faced with a 6-1 deficit. Singles by Daigle and Yellowjacket shortstop Bryn Degraw were followed up by another single by Tanya Oystrick, loading the bases for Campbell. As had been her custom throughout the day, Campbell delivered with a two-run single in what would be the Jackets final scoring of the day.
Yellowjacket pitchers Karie Hanson and Sarah Lippold split duties in the circle for game two with Hanson receiving the start and tallying four innings while giving up eight hits and five runs. She was hurt by five walks in the game and also collected two strikeouts. Lippold was very effective during her three-inning stint as she allowed no hits and one unearned run while keeping the Jackets close.
The Jackets have a few days off before a big weekend of scheduled softball action. First off they go to battle against MidAmerica Nazarene University on Thursday when they travel to Olathe, Kansas for an important double-header. Following that up will be a trip to Liberty, Missouri to take part in the William Jewell Tournament. They open up that tournament with a pair of game of games on Friday, April 13th (1:00/3:00) and two more on Saturday, April 14th (10:30/12:30)
For More Information on Graceland University Athletics Contact:
Michael Brown, Sports Information Director
(641) 784-5318
mibrown@graceland.edu
