The College of Saint Benedict Blazer softball team (17-9 overall, 9-5 MIAC) split a pair of games with conference opponent Hamline University Tuesday afternoon in St. Joseph, Minn.

Saint Benedict picked up their ninth conference win in a 6-0 shutout over the Pipers in game one of the double header. The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the fourth when the Blazer offense drove in four runs. CSB picked up their first run on a single to right center field by first-year Mackenzie Wenner (St. Peter, MN, St. Peter) that allowed first-year Lonnica Johnson (Stillwater, MN, Hill-Murray) to score. Saint Benedict scored three more runs on a three run home run by sophomore Maddie Lenker (Eden Prairie, MN, Eden Prairie) to give the Blazers a four run lead. The Blazers earned their final two runs of the game in the sixth inning, with runs by first-year Katrina Siebels (St. Peter, MN, St. Peter) and sophomore Maddie Lenker.

Earning the shut out on the mound for the Blazers was sophomore pitcher Rachel Nelson (Lindstrom, MN, Chisago Lakes). Nelson picked up her 11th win of the season, going all seven innings and striking out four batters while only allowing four hits.

Lonni Johnson and Alm both went 2-3 in game one and both picked up a run each. Wenner was 2-3 with a run scored and an RBI. Lenker earned three RBI's and two runs scored, going 2-3 at the plate.

Saint Benedict dropped game two of the series to the Pipers in a 6-2 loss. Hamline got on the board early scoring a run in both the first and second innings. The Blazers were unable to answer back and the Pipers quickly took a 6-0 lead. Saint Benedict narrowed to gap to four in the bottom of the fifth, scoring two runs, but eventually came up short. CSB was outhit 10-7 in game two. The Blazers picked up runs from sophomore Nicole Kirkvold (Winona, MN, Winona Cotter) and Lonni Johnson.

Sophomore pitcher Trisha Johnson (New Ulm, MN, New Ulm) struck out four batters in the loss. Lonni Johnson went 2-4 at the plate with a run scored. Senior Sierra Dooley (Spring Lake Park, MN, Spring Lake Park) was 1-3 with a double and Alm went 2-4 with a double.

The Blazers return to action at 5:30 pm on Thursday, April 19th, when they travel to Minneapolis, Minn. to play MIAC opponent Augsburg College.