Softball’s Opening Weekend Results in 4-0 Record

The Loyola softball team headed to Sparnsburg, South Carolina for the Spartan Classic tournament hosted by University of South Carolina Upstate. The Ramblers played four teams Feb. 9-10 and returned to Rogers Park boasting a four game win streak to begin the season. 

Towson University – Feb. 9

In the top of the first inning, fourth-year utility player Ava Bienemen had the first hit of the game — a single to third base. Bienemen would advance to second on a wild pitch by fourth-year Towson pitcher Maddie Gardner but was left stranded as the Ramblers failed to drive her in.

In the bottom of the second, second-year Towson catcher Grace Francyzk made it to first on a fielder’s choice, while second-year infielder Addie Ferguson was called out at second.

In the top of the fourth, Bienemen singled again, making her way to second base on an error by third-year Towson infielder Kristin Toland. Bienemen and Wallace made their way to second and third on an error by Towson’s second-year infielder Cara Bohner. With only one out, first-year infielder Liz Sedakis drove in Bienemen with a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring the only run of the game. 

Bienemen recorded both of Loyola’s hits in the game and third-year pitcher Andie Broniewicz pitched a seven-inning shutout with eight strikeouts. 

University of South Carolina Upstate – Feb. 9

The Ramblers started the first inning with third-year outfielder Riley Owens’ single to third base. Bienemen would reach first on a fielder’s choice and Wallace took a hit by pitch to the helmet, putting Bienemen in scoring position. 

Fourth-year infielder Sydney Barnett hit a single and advanced to third on an error, allowing Bienemen and Wallace to score. Sedakis reached first following an error by third-year Upstate shortstop Alanna Deal during which Barnett made her way home, scoring the Ramblers’ third run of the inning. 

In the bottom of the fourth, Upstate’s fourth-year infielder Cassie Norris hit a homerun to center field, scoring their only run of the game. Two batters later, second-year outfielder Upstate Taliyah Thomas hit a single and advanced to second on an error by Bienemen but was left on base at the end of the inning.

First-year infielder Nat Lesnicki hit a single in the top of the seventh — the first hit of her collegiate career. On her way to first base, Lesnicki collided with first-year Upstate infielder Abby Polk, resulting in second-year outfielder Sierra Sass coming in to pinch run. 

The game was third-year pitcher Peyton Pepkowksi’s first start of the season, who pitched all seven innings and recorded six strikeouts.

University of Toledo – Feb. 10

In the top of the first, Bienemen hit a triple to center field. Wallace singled to third base, allowing Bienemen to score for the first run of the game. Barnett was walked by first-year Toledo pitcher Mady Yackee, leaving Wallace on second before a hit by Sedakis put her on third. 

Sedakis stole second before Lesnicki singled to left center, driving in two RBIs. In the top of the second, second-year catcher Abbie Gregus homered to left field, giving the Ramblers four unanswered runs.

The Rockets started to see some success in the bottom of the fourth after fifth-year infielder Riley Mohr was walked and fourth-year infielder Jenna Kroll put two on the board with a home run. 

In the top of the fifth, Barnett, Lesnicki and fourth-year infielder Hannah Nalley were walked, this time by third-year Toledo pitcher Sophia Knight. First-year outfielder Katie Mitchell, who pinch ran for Barnett, stole second but was left on base along with Lesnikci and Mitchell to end the fifth. 

In the bottom of the seventh, the Ramblers 4-2 lead proved enough to beat Toledo. 

South Carolina State – Feb. 10

The final game of the tournament saw first-year utility player Maddy Hickey make her first career start in the pitching circle. She pitched for 2.2 innings and struck out five Bulldog batters before being relieved by Pepkowski.

The Bulldogs saw success early on when second-year outfielder Madison Boyd reached first on a passed ball and eventually stole second. A sacrifice bunt got Boyd to third and she scored the Bulldog’s first run of the game following a single up the middle by second-year infielder Taylor Ames. 

In the bottom of the second, a ground out by Owens brought Nalley across the plate and put Sopczak on third. Bienemen followed up with a single that got Sopczak across for the Rambler lead at 2-1. 

The Bulldogs answered back in the top of the third with 3 runs by second-year infielder Cameron Hall, third-year outfielder Jayla King and Ames. 

The Ramblers rallied in the bottom of the fourth, scoring four more runs from Bienemen, Wallace, Sedakis and Nalley, bringing the score to 9-4.

The game finished following the bottom of the sixth inning with two final runs by Nalley and Sopczaks, bringing the final score to 13-5. 

The Ramblers will play next in the Bubly Invitational hosted by the University of Florida beginning Feb. 16. Play will start against the University of Charleston at 11:30 a.m.

Featured image courtesy of Steve Woltmann | Loyola Athletics