WPU Splits Heart Opener with Culver-Stockton

Oskaloosa–The William Penn softball team struggled at the plate, but still managed to claim a split of its Heart of America Athletic Conference opener against Culver-Stockton Wednesday.

WPU (8-14, 1-1 Heart) won the opener 1-0, but dropped the nightcap 12-0 (5 innings).

The Statesmen and Wildcats (6-14, 1-1 Heart), who were each held to just four hits in the first contest, remained locked in a scoreless tie entering the bottom of the sixth.

Allyson Stewart (Sr., Delta, B.C., Nursing) then produced the only run of the game as she singled up the middle to bring in Shiloh Cunningham (Sr., Lynnville, Sully, Biology) from third base. Cunningham was pinch-running for Valeria Quiroga (Sr., Brownsville, Texas, Sociology) who walked earlier in the frame.

Quiroga had a walk and a hit in the first matchup.

Chelsey Huff (So., Douds, Iowa, Exercise Science) picked up the win in a complete-game shutout. She struck out three against two walks in the victory.

The second game of the night saw WPU use a slew of pitchers to try and slow down the Wildcats, but unfortunately none were successful.

The hosts were stifled to the tune of just two base knocks, while the Wildcats had 11 base knocks.

“Chelsey Huff threw a great game again, but unfortunately had little run support,” Head Coach Mike Christner said. “Allyson Stewart not only had the game-winning hit, but also made a great defensive play to preserve the win. We need to learn how to hit effectively; our offense will continue to be worked on.”

Next Up: William Penn will remain in Oskaloosa Saturday, hosting Benedictine in a Heart doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.