William Penn Split Double Dip with Graceland
Jennifer Whitehead (Jr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Biology), who battled through illness earlier in the week, was limited to just 3 1/3 innings.
Oskaloosa–The Statesmen softball team struggled to produce much offense Thursday, but still found a way to secure a split in a non-conference doubleheader against Graceland.
William Penn (13-7) fell 2-1 in the opener before rebounding for a 2-0 shutout in the nightcap.
The hosts, who were outhit 7-5 in the first contest, jumped out on top in the third frame. Sydney Edwards (So., Galesburg, Ill., Psychology & Biology) led off with a double and scored two batters later. Unfortunately, the Yellowjackets (4-12) rallied with one run in the fourth and another in the fifth to claim the victory.
Jennifer Whitehead (Jr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Biology), who battled through illness earlier in the week, was limited to just 3 1/3 innings. She was strong in the short outing with six strikeouts (one walk). Carly Land (Sr., Mission Viejo, Calif., Education) was also solid in relief, but still took the loss. The senior struck out four batters out of the bullpen.
The offense was a bit more prolific in the second matchup, holding a 7-3 edge in hits. Despite the margin, WPU was not able to break through until the fifth inning.
Molly Miller (Sr., Kalona, Iowa, Business Management) and Ashlee Dennis (So., Loveland, Colo., Biology) both reached base and then Jessica Christensen (Fr., Marysville, Wash., Sociology) provided the hit of the day by bringing both home with a double to right field.
Land (7-4) recorded her first shutout in the navy and gold, allowing just three hits. Only two baserunners were able to advance into scoring position as the senior tallied four strikeouts with one walk.
Next: William Penn travels to Sioux City this weekend to compete in the Morningside Tournament. On Friday, the Statesmen face Jamestown (N.D.) at 3 p.m. and Dickinson State (N.D.) at 5 p.m. On Saturday, WPU plays host Morningside at 1 p.m. and Mayville State (N.D.) at 3 p.m.
