Versus Central Washington on Oct. 1, the Wildcats edged the Redhawks, 1-0, to open up the day. After dropping a one-run decision, SU got back to work and defeated CWU 9-5. The following day, Seattle U earned a pair of decisive victories over WWU. They handed Vikings a 6-2 loss to kickoff the day and concluded the weekend with an 8-1 victory.
On the weekend junior Jessica Ulrich (Lewiston, Idaho) and freshman Mandie Sugita (Rossmoor, Calif.) took over pitching duties, while sophomore Richelle Ashburn (Post Falls, Idaho) continues to rehabilitate back to form from an injury. Behind the plate, the Redhawks saw a pair of newcomers take over, with Bubba Morrow (Auburn, Wash.) and Briar Stanley (Snohomish, Wash.) sharing catching duties. In four games, the SU pitchers only gave up five earned runs and held their weekend opponents to under a .200 combined batting average.
The infield also saw three newcomers get in the mix, with Lisa Maulden (Tacoma, Wash.), Jenny Hurst (Laguna Niguel, Calif.) and Ashley DeVaere (Riverside, Calif.) seeing action alongside veterans Theresa Clark (Lakewood, Colo.) and All-PCSC Allegra Wilde (Kennewick, Wash.). Pitchers Ulrich and Sugita also saw time at first base, in addition to their innings in the circle. Both Brianna Guerrero (Buena Park, Calif.) and Rogin Hardy (Kirkland, Wash.) were sidelined, as they too are rehabbing, but will be in the mix shortly.
In the outfield sophomores Sarah Petosa (Auburn, Wash.) and Karina Smyth (San Luis Obispo, Calif.) were joined by a trio of newcomers: Erin Crowley (Kent, Wash.), Danielle Ashcraft (Tacoma, Wash.) and Becca Cable (Tacoma, Wash.). The group made several spectacular plays over the weekend, including flagging down balls in the gap and throwing out runners trying to take extra bases.
Offensively, the Redhawks were led by Cable's eight hits and five runs. Morrow had three doubles, Wilde tallied a triple and Smyth hit a three-run homerun. Senior Hannah Klein (Camarillo, Calif.) also saw opportunities as the designated player at the plate. Over the weekend, SU scored 23 runs and hit .305.
"After getting the nervous energy out of the way, the team responded well," said head coach Dan Powers. "We had a strong performance this weekend. I was happy to see our team compete well and gel after having only been playing together for a few weeks. I'm very excited about the upcoming season and have high expectations for our young team."
The Redhawks continue fall play at the UW Tournament this weekend, from Friday, Oct. 7 to Sunday, Oct. 9. SU will face Bellevue College, Northern Idaho, Washington, Wenatchee Valley CC and Western Washington.