A home run by Lauren Berin (Lacey, ) and a solid relief performance by Kelsey Reynolds (Kent, Wash.) allowed the 18th-ranked Seattle University softball team to earn a 3-2 victory over Montana State Billings Sunday on the final day of the Clarion Hotel Central Washington Invitational at Columbia Playfields.
Montana State Billings (5-7) struck first in the top of the second inning, as Stephanie Gosselin singled and advanced to third base on two illegal pitches called on Erin Martin (). Reynolds came in for Martin and struck out the first batter she saw, but then gave up a double to Jenna Haacke that scored Gosselin. The Yellowjackets added a run in the fifth inning as Jessica Frank doubled and scored on Lisa Moore’s single.
With two outs in the sixth inning, Katie Antich () singled and stole second base. Megan MacIsaac () doubled to left center field to drive in Antich, followed by Berin’s second home run over the center field fence in as many days. Reynolds allowed runners to get to second base in each of the final two innings, but was able to shut down the Yellowjackets for her sixth victory of the season.
finished the tournament with a 6-1 record, the same record as Western Oregon after the Wolves defeated ’s, 2-0, on Sunday. However, due to ’s victory over the Redhawks Saturday afternoon, the Wolves earned the tournament title.
(12-1) opens its home and conference schedule next Saturday, as Montana State Billings comes to Logan Field for a three-game series. Saturday’s conference doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., with Sunday’s non-conference game also slated for an 11 a.m. start. These will be the Redhawks’ only home games until April 6.