The University of Minnesota Duluth Softball team was handed their first losses of the season at the Emporia State Classic on Saturday afternoon. Having lost to Oklahoma Baptist 4-2 and Newman University 5-2, the Bulldogs now move to an 8-2 record.
"We didn't execute today. The things that have gotten us to have success the previous two weekends we didn't do today." said Head Coach Lynn Anderson. "It's easy to go down the wrong path after a day like today but I know we're a team capable of great things so we will adjust, simplify, refocus on our mental approach, and attack tomorrow as a new day. There's a lot of season left and we'll use today as a big learning opportunity."
Game One: 4-2 loss to Oklahoma Baptist
It started off as a pitching battle as the Bulldogs' offense was shut down by the Bison defense. The Bison pitcher would go on to strike out the first five batters of the ball game and clinch the last out of the second inning with an out at third base.
The Bulldogs did not see any runners on base until the top of the fifth inning when Corrie Weise singled off a bunt. Sophomore Nicole Schmitt walked, putting two runners on the base path for the Bulldogs. Sidney Zavoral would then come up to the plate and reach off yet another bunt, loading the bases. With bases loaded, the Bulldogs scored two runs off a Bison error which gave the Bulldogs a 2-0 lead.
The Bison would answer back with three runs of their own, taking the lead late in the fifth inning. UMD looked to get a rally started in the sixth inning, but were stopped short after an Oklahoma Baptist double play and strikeout. Oklahoma Baptist would go on to score one more run, but the Bulldogs stayed with two making the final score 4-2.
Game Two: 5-2 Loss
The Bulldogs were off to another slow start in game two, not seeing any base runner until the third inning. Freshman Kendal Jenkins kick-started the Bulldogs third inning with a home run to center field, which put the Bulldogs on the board.
UMD held Newman to a 2-1 lead until the top of the sixth inning when Newman was able to score three more runs, increasing their lead to 5-1.
The Bulldogs would rally to score one more in the sixth thanks to freshman Morgan McMillian. McMillian blasted a single to center field scoring one run, but the Bulldogs fell short and fell to the Jets 5-2.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will be back in Topeka, KS on Sunday Feb. 19 where they will face off University of Missouri-St. Louis and Quincy. The games will take place at 10:00 am and 2:30 PM.
