wayne, neb. - with two runs put up in the top of the fourth inning, the golden bear softball team (35-15) won a pitcher's duel against #16 augustana college (44-13) in the first round of play at the ncaa central region tournament. There weren't many big cuts taken in the game, but cu scratched together its two runs for the win. Freshman ashley kluever allowed the vikings only four hits in the decision, which gave her a 16th win on the year. Combined in softball action in wayne today, there were only three runs scored, including concordia's pair. Wayne state defeated minnesota duluth 1-0 in 8 innings earlier in the day. Cu now plays the tournament host wildcats, ranked #17 nationally, on saturday at 11 am. box score
"it's great to take a win in our first game at the (ncaa) regionals," said concordia senior anna bjorlin, who marked the game-winning run for cu. "this is the further than any other (cu) team has made it since i've been at concordia. It feels great."
senior bjorlin doubled to lead off the fourth inning, the first hit of the game by either team. Bjorlin's bloop hit drew a diving catch attempt by the second baseman and, when the ball kicked away from her, allowed bjorlin to get to second. katie anderson then beat out a bunt single, the defense distracted by bjorlin running to third just long enough to give the speedster time to reach safely. A sacrifice fly by calli brennan scored bjorlin and anderson later crossed the plate after stealing third and scoring on an error.
the inning gave cu all it needed for the 2-0 win, with freshman ashley kluever throwing the complete game shutout over the vikings, the tournament's number 3 seed. Kluever gave up her first hits of the game in the fifth inning. A pick-off by nikki scherr helped to get the golden bears out of the inning. Another emergency was averted in the sixth inning when two additional hits put runners at second and third with one out. Kluever drew a foul out and a ground out to preserve the shutout.
"we knew it would be that kind of game, a tough game," said cu head coach bob bartel of his squad's first round meeting with augustana. "we caught a break on bjorlin's double and were aggressive in our baserunning. We executed well and got the runs."
anderson had two of concordia's three hits in the game. Kluever struck out six batters and gave up only four hits.
the win for the golden bears was huge after the vikings knocked concordia out of the nsic tournament last weekend. Augustana college turned out nine runs from 12 hits last weekend, but were shutout in the ncaa regional meeting.
"i think it helped us to come off of a loss last weekend," commented bartel. "i guess you could say we were looking for a little revenge."
