Crusader softball splits doubleheader with Concordia
Lizzie Griffin
Issue date: 4/21/09 Section: Sports
The Crusader softball team won their first game of a doubleheader against Concordia Lutheran this weekend, scoring four runs in the sixth inning to overcome the one run lead held by Concordia. With three runners on base and only one out, freshman Sammy Lawless hit a three RBI double, bringing the Crusaders ahead 3-1. Freshman Becca Burns then singled, scoring Lawless and bringing the score to 4-1, earning the Crusaders their 18th win of the season.
Although the girls played well during the second game, it did not result in a win. With Concordia ahead 3-0 in the fourth inning, the Crusaders posted a two-run rally, with RBIs by Lawless and freshman Jessica Mollner. Concordia scored another run in the fifth inning, giving them a two-run lead over the Crusaders. In the sixth inning, junior Amber Adams tripled, followed by a sacrifice fly by senior Lizzie Griffin, which brought the score to 4-3. The Crusaders fought hard, and in the beginning of the seventh inning Burns hit a single. Sophomore Jesse Allen ripped a line drive down the left field line that would have scored a run, but unfortunately it landed just foul. The Crusaders were unable to pull out the win, but overall played at a high level. Despite the loss in the second game, Coach Rachel Hanson expressed her satisfaction with the overall level of play, and everyone expressed appreciation for senior Belle Swaja, who pitched both games.
In between the two games, the four seniors were honored for their service to the team over the last four years. Senior Mari Ramirez, from Helotes, Texas, has been a versatile player in her time on the team and has started at multiple positions, including second base, center field, left field and third base. Due to her flexibility on the field and consistently positive attitude, Ramirez has been described by Hanson as "the epitome of a team player." Ramirez has batted .306 on the season, with two hits against Concordia.
Katie Rainbolt, a senior from Southlake, Texas, has started at both third base and first base in her career at UD. According to Hanson, "She is best known for her acrobatic catches at first base." With a .963 fielding percentage at first base this season, it's evident that her famous acrobatic catches have paid off. A power hitter, Rainbolt has hit more home runs in her career than any of the other seniors.
Lizzie Griffin, a senior from Anahuac, Texas, has been a starting catcher for all four years at UD. She leads the team in fielding percentage this year and hit a double against Concordia this past weekend.
Senior Swaja, from Hillsboro, Ore., is both a starting pitcher and starting shortstop, and she has also started at second base. Swaja is currently second on the team in terms of batting average, posting a .422 average on the season so far, and she leads the team with a slugging percentage of .661. Swaja holds numerous school records, including triples in a game, career hits, career doubles and career RBIs. Swaja was also Association of Division III Independents Player of the Week earlier this season, and she threw a no-hitter against Rust College in February.
The Crusader softball team will finish their season this weekend in Oregon with double-headers against George Fox University and Lewis and Clark University.
Although the girls played well during the second game, it did not result in a win. With Concordia ahead 3-0 in the fourth inning, the Crusaders posted a two-run rally, with RBIs by Lawless and freshman Jessica Mollner. Concordia scored another run in the fifth inning, giving them a two-run lead over the Crusaders. In the sixth inning, junior Amber Adams tripled, followed by a sacrifice fly by senior Lizzie Griffin, which brought the score to 4-3. The Crusaders fought hard, and in the beginning of the seventh inning Burns hit a single. Sophomore Jesse Allen ripped a line drive down the left field line that would have scored a run, but unfortunately it landed just foul. The Crusaders were unable to pull out the win, but overall played at a high level. Despite the loss in the second game, Coach Rachel Hanson expressed her satisfaction with the overall level of play, and everyone expressed appreciation for senior Belle Swaja, who pitched both games.
In between the two games, the four seniors were honored for their service to the team over the last four years. Senior Mari Ramirez, from Helotes, Texas, has been a versatile player in her time on the team and has started at multiple positions, including second base, center field, left field and third base. Due to her flexibility on the field and consistently positive attitude, Ramirez has been described by Hanson as "the epitome of a team player." Ramirez has batted .306 on the season, with two hits against Concordia.
Katie Rainbolt, a senior from Southlake, Texas, has started at both third base and first base in her career at UD. According to Hanson, "She is best known for her acrobatic catches at first base." With a .963 fielding percentage at first base this season, it's evident that her famous acrobatic catches have paid off. A power hitter, Rainbolt has hit more home runs in her career than any of the other seniors.
Lizzie Griffin, a senior from Anahuac, Texas, has been a starting catcher for all four years at UD. She leads the team in fielding percentage this year and hit a double against Concordia this past weekend.
Senior Swaja, from Hillsboro, Ore., is both a starting pitcher and starting shortstop, and she has also started at second base. Swaja is currently second on the team in terms of batting average, posting a .422 average on the season so far, and she leads the team with a slugging percentage of .661. Swaja holds numerous school records, including triples in a game, career hits, career doubles and career RBIs. Swaja was also Association of Division III Independents Player of the Week earlier this season, and she threw a no-hitter against Rust College in February.
The Crusader softball team will finish their season this weekend in Oregon with double-headers against George Fox University and Lewis and Clark University.
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