Live Stats/Video

ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – The College of Saint Benedict softball team starts its push toward the end of the season and its push to earn a spot in the MIAC tournament Wednesday, April 20, when it hosts Hamline University at 3:30 p.m. The Pipers are currently fourth in the league, and CSB is in sixth.
 
About the Pipers: Hamline has won three of its past four games, and is coming off a split with St. Kate's on Sunday. The Pipers lost the first game 3-1, but won the second 3-2. Amanda Orrell leads the team in batting average (.417) and hits (35), and Jamie Rubbelke leads Hamline with 24 RBIs. Casey Anderson is the Pipers' leading pitcher with a 3.97 ERA, nine wins and 35 strikeouts.
 
The Storyline: Hamline is looking to keep itself in the top four in the MIAC, and the Blazers head into Wednesday's games looking to move up from their spot in sixth. Both teams need wins and momentum in order to help secure a spot in the league's postseason tournament.
 
Who to Watch: Sophomore Megan Tonianto finished with five hits against the Royals on Sunday, including a triple. Becky Gigstad and Samantha Sakihara each had a double. First year pitcher Claire Haddick won three games last week, including the first victory of her college career.
 
Last Time Out: CSB dropped a MIAC doubleheader to Bethel Sunday afternoon. The Royals tied the game in the top of the seventh on a solo homer, and won the game with a single run in the eighth inning. In the second game, Toninato had three hits, but the Royals finished the sweep with a 3-0 win.