The softball team went into their doubleheader with Carroll College last Saturday needing a win to qualify for the Midwest Conference Tournament. The Vikes accomplished that in the opener and showed no complacency, going on to win the nightcap and the right to host the conference tournament.
Carrie Van Groll batted in both Lawrence runs in the first game as the Vikes took a 2-0 lead in fifth inning. Carroll could have equalized or taken the lead in the top of the seventh but only managed to score once, leaving two on base and giving Lawrence the 2-1 victory.
In the second match-up, Loni Philbrick-Linzmeyer provided the offensive spark in a quite defensive battle. The junior batted in the only runs of the game with a two-RBI single in the third. Lauren Kost put in another gritty performance, pitching a one-hit shutout for her 15th win of the season. The Vikes end their season with a conference record of 9-4 and return to the MWC tournament for the fourth consecutive year.
The tournament begins 10 a.m. this Friday at Whiting Field, with Beloit taking on Illinois College. Lawrence will play its first game against defending champion Lake Forest at noon. The championship game will be held on Saturday.
Softball to host MWC tournament
