The Lawrence softball team kicked off their 2009 season over spring break in Florida. They played 10 games while down south and struggled to have success. They had an overall record of two wins with eight losses, but it was good preparation for the conference play that will soon follow.
After the Vikings’ trip to Florida, they returned to play a doubleheader against MSOE April 2. The day ended in a sweep for the Lady Vikes over the Lady Raiders.
In the first game the Vikings hit the ball well. They were led by Carli Gurholt who was 4-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored. She was followed by Emily Perish who went 3-3 with two runs scored and Alex Goodson who was 3-4 with two runs scored and 2 RBIs.
The Vikings did not just control the game behind the plate, but had solid pitching to go along with their big bats. Emily Perish pitched seven innings giving up only three hits and one earned run. The Vikings won the first game by a final score of 8-3.
In the second game the Vikings kept their bats hot. Eight of the nine batters in the lineup had at least one hit. The Vikes were led again by Alex Goodson who went 3-4 with an RBI. She was followed by Jenna Reichel who went 2-4 with two runs scored and an RBI and Katie Simonson who was 2-3 with a run and an RBI.
Once again, the Vikes had some solid pitching to go along with a productive offence. Meredith Foshag pitched seven innings, giving up only one earned run with two strike outs. The Vikings completed the sweep of MSOE taking the second game 7-2.
The Lady Vikes next opened up conference play with a doubleheader against Beloit. The first game saw the Vikes play the same way they had against MSOE. They hit well with Alex Goodson going 1-3 with a run and an RBI. Meredith Foshag and Lara Wasserman each went 1-2 with two RBIs. The Vikes were decent behind the plate, but at the mound Emily Perish dominated.
She pitched five shut-out innings giving up only three hits and striking out three. Perish’s performance earned her the title of MWC player of the week for softball. The Vikings crushed Beloit in the first game 8-0. Unfortunately the Vikings could not complete the sweep. Perish’s dominance in the first game was matched by Beloit’s pitcher in the second game. The Vikings were only able to produce three hits and scored no runs. The Vikes split with Beloit, losing the second game 3-0.
Though they did not get the sweep, this is still a good start to the season for the Vikes. They have shown that they can pitch and swing the bat well.
Look for the Lady Vikes to be back in action April 14 against St. Norbert and April 16 against UW-Whitewater.
Softball bats start season hot
