The Lawrence softball team went into their weekend doubleheader against Beloit needing nothing short of a sweep to earn a berth at the MWC tournament.
The Vikings looked on task in the opener as they scored two runs in the first inning. Catcher Loni Philbrick-Linzmeyer scored one with her 13th double of the season, a record-setting feat. Beloit was quick to counter, however, and took a slim one-point lead in the top of the second. Senior Becca Reason tied the game at three apiece in the bottom of the same inning with an RBI single.
Reason then scored Amanda Hauser in the fourth inning on a bunt single to put the Vikings up for good. The senior from Minnetonka went four for four in the victory and sophomore pitcher Catherine Marinac picked up her 12th win. Marinac, who has emerged as the Vikings’ ace this season, was handed the ball for the second game as well, and did not disappoint.
The Vikings got off to a good start, once again scoring two in the first inning, this time on a two- run single by Hauser. The scorekeepers would remain idle for the rest of the contest as Marinac tossed a four-hit shutout to give Lawrence the 2-0 victory and a spot in this weekend’s conference tournament. The pitcher, who has amassed a 13-9 record and 2.41 ERA, was named MWC pitcher of the week for the second time this season. The Vikings will take on hosts and reigning champions Lake Forest in the tournament’s opening game this Friday.
Softball secures tourney berth
