The Cougar softball team finished its brief road swing in Duluth this afternoon, dropping two games at conference-leading St. Scholastica.  Despite the losses, they remain in playoff contention in the UMAC.

Game 1 Box

Scholastica's Jen Falk cuffed UMM batters with a two-hitter as the Saints cruised to a 16-2 win in game 1.

The Cougars' Kali Cordes took the loss, unable to complete the first inning in which CSS scored seven times.  Junior Tasha Johnson finished the game in relief.

The game started on a high note for the Cougars, however.  Senior catcher Julie Rohling homered to left center in the top of the first inning, driving home junior Liz Leuty, for a brief 2-0 lead.

Game 2 Box

In the nightcap, the Saints used early runs to set the tone of the game.  Leading 6-0 after three innings, they needed five innings to close out the sweep, winning 10-1.

CSS pitching again proved difficult to solve.  First year Shannen Smith threw a five-hitter, not allowing a Cougar run until the top of the fifth when first year Ally Obernolte singed home first baseman Emily Mehr.

Sophomore Kelli Hamilton through a complete game in the loss.

Despite the sweep, the Cougars remain in third place in the UMAC.  This week they can solidify their position with games at Bethany Lutheran and Martin Luther College.