William Penn Drops Pair to #19 Baker

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Oskaloosa–The Statesmen softball team failed in its attempt to upset the top squad in the league as it was swept by #19 Baker in a Heart of America Athletic Conference doubleheader Saturday.

WPU (15-19, 6-8 Heart) lost by scores of 8-0 (6 innings) and 4-1 (10 innings).

The hosts were stymied in the opening contest by one of the top pitchers in the nation, Olivia Brees, only finally recording their first hit in the sixth frame. By that point, however, it was too little and too late as the Statesmen permitted one run in the first, three more in the third, and four more in the sixth.

The nightcap provided fans with a tremendous pitching duel as the squads combined for just two runs on nine hits through the seven innings of regulation. Despite getting a runner to third in five of the first six frames, the navy and gold were unable to bring home more than its one run and extra innings ensued.

Neither side broke free in the eighth or ninth innings, but in the 10th, with the International Tiebreaker rule implemented (both teams start their half inning with a runner on second base in an attempt to score with more ease), the Wildcats (25-5, 14-2 Heart) put three on the board. The Statesmen, who were paced in the matchup by four individuals with one hit each, could not answer in the bottom half and were swept by the conference leaders.

Katie Springer (Sr., Riverside, Iowa, Psychology and Human Services) struck out eight in nine innings of work in the second contest.

Next Up: William Penn remains at home Sunday, hosting Benedictine in Heart action at 1 p.m.