ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – Behind dominant outings in the circle from
Olivia Wallace (Maple Grove, Minn.) and
Ellie Peterson (St. Anthony Village, Minn.), the College of Saint Benedict softball team (10-8) powered its way to a 9-0 and 2-1 nonconference doubleheader sweep over Bethany Lutheran (12-6) on Wednesday at the CSB Softball Field.
Lauren Freeberg (Rogers, Minn.) paced the Bennies offensively with a career day, collecting three hits – including a triple and a home run – while driving in five runs. In the circle, Peterson and Wallace combined to allow just one run on seven hits while striking out 10 across 12 innings.
Game 1 – Saint Benedict 9, Bethany Lutheran 0
Ellie Peterson (St. Anthony Village, Minn.) delivered a three-hit shutout and
Lauren Freeberg (Rogers, Minn.) drove in five runs to lead CSB to a commanding win in the opener.
Freeberg jump-started the offense early, tripling in the first inning to help St. Ben's take a 3-0 lead. She followed with a three-run home run in the second to extend the advantage to 8-0.
Freeberg finished with her first career triple and third career home run as part of an 11-hit attack.
Izzy Guttenfelder (Minnetonka, Minn.) added two hits and an RBI, while
Cat Smetana (Lake Elmo, Minn.) also recorded two hits.
Olivia Tautges (Brainerd, Minn.) chipped in a hit, an RBI and scored twice.
In the circle, Peterson improved to 4-5, recording her 12th career shutout and 44th career victory. She struck out five and allowed just three hits with no walks over five innings in the run-rule shortened game, needing only 57 pitches. The outing marked her 42nd complete game in 79 career appearances.
Game 2 – Saint Benedict 2, Bethany Lutheran 1
Olivia Wallace (Maple Grove, Minn.) followed with a strong performance in game two, tossing a four-hit complete game to secure the sweep.
Wallace allowed one run on four hits while striking out five and walking five over 120 pitches. She improved to 4-2 on the season and recorded her 20th career victory.
The Bennies managed four hits offensively but broke through in the fifth inning. Guttenfelder delivered a sacrifice fly to bring home one run, and CSB added the eventual game-winner on a Bethany Lutheran throwing error.
Saint Benedict returns to action on Wednesday, April 1, when it opens MIAC play with a doubleheader against Bethel.