GRINNELL, Iowa – The College of Saint Benedict softball team (8-8) put on an offensive clinic, totaling 29 runs and 31 hits to sweep a doubleheader against Grinnell (3-15) on Sunday, March 30, in nonconference play. With the victories, CSB secured its third win of the weekend, improving to 8-8 on the season.

After three wins in four games, St. Ben's will travel to St. Olaf to open their MIAC schedule on Wednesday, April 2.

In Game 1, Saint Benedict triumphed 16-7 in a run-rule shortened (six innings) contest, while Game 2 ended in a 13-2 run-rule victory (five innings). CSB had two innings where they scored eight or more runs, including a season-best 11-run fourth inning in the second game.

By the Numbers vs. Grinnell
The Bennies' offense was firing on all cylinders, compiling 29 runs and 31 hits over 61 at-bats for a .508 batting average in the two games. CSB also recorded 14 extra-base hits, including nine doubles and three home runs. As a team, they posted an impressive .889 slugging percentage and .575 on-base mark. Saint Benedict was flawless on the bases, stealing 12-of-12, led by Olivia Van Hout, who went 4-for-4. Van Hout had three hits, four runs and an RBI with a .667 on-base percentage.

Several players had standout performances, including Bryn Ruhberg, who had four hits, four runs, and five RBI. She also hit her second home run of the season. Lauren Freeberg contributed five hits, two runs, and four RBI. Senior Addy Bowne had three hits, including her first home run of the season, and four runs. Freshman Lily Treml also had a solid day, hitting .600 with three hits, two runs, and four RBI, including her first career home run. Senior Megan Erickson and junior Olivia Tautges each added three hits in the doubleheader, with Tautges driving in three runs.

Game 1 – Saint Benedict 16, Grinnell 7
In the opener, CSB came out strong, scoring 16 runs on 18 hits to secure a 16-7 victory in six innings. After taking a 2-0 lead in the first inning, Grinnell responded with two runs to tie. The Bennies took a 4-2 lead before Grinnell exploded for five runs in the third, going ahead, 7-4. However, CSB stormed back with a run in the fifth inning and then exploded for eight runs in the sixth inning to take a 13-7 lead. They added three more runs in the sixth to end the game with a 16-7 victory.

Freeberg led the charge with a career-best four hits in five at-bats, including three RBI. Ruhberg hit her second home run of the season and finished with two hits, three runs, and four RBI. Tautges, Izzy Radel, and Van Hout also contributed two hits apiece, with Tautges driving in three runs.

In the circle, freshman Anna Corbid (1-2) earned her first win of the season, allowing just three hits and two runs with a career-high seven strikeouts in four innings. Junior Olivia Wallace started and allowed four earned runs over two innings.

Game 2 – Saint Benedict 13, Grinnell 2
In the second game, CSB exploded for 11 runs in the fourth inning to secure a 13-2 victory in five innings. The Bennies totaled 13 runs on 11 hits, with Bowne and Treml each hitting home runs. Bowne's three-run shot was her first of the season, while Treml's home run was the first of her career. Ruhberg had two hits and an RBI, while Erickson also contributed two hits and two RBI.

In the circle, junior Ellie Peterson (4-4) picked up the win, allowing just one hit and two runs with three strikeouts in her four innings of work. Bowne pitched for the first time this season, allowing one hit and recording a strikeout in one inning of relief.

Weekend Recap
CSB had a strong offensive showing over the weekend, hitting .368 as a team with a .590 slugging percentage and .457 on-base percentage. The Bennies scored 36 runs on 43 hits in their 3-1 weekend performance, including 17 extra-base hits and a perfect 13-of-13 on stolen bases. Tautges led the team, hitting .615 with a .923 slugging percentage, adding eight hits, two triples, and six RBI.

Ruhberg also had a solid weekend, hitting .400 with four hits, five runs, and five RBI. Treml hit .556 with five hits, including her first career home run, and four RBI. Freeberg contributed six hits and four RBI, while also slugging .563. In the circle, Peterson went 2-0 with a 3.97 ERA, while Corbid was 1-0 with a 2.10 ERA and eight strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings.