Despite consistent rain throughout the afternoon, all three games were played as part of the Husky Softball Classic, and Seattle University came away with a win and a loss after day one of competition. The Redhawks topped North Dakota (7-14) in game one before falling to host Washington (21-1) in game two.
Game 1 - Seattle U 2, North Dakota 1
For the third time in two days, Seattle University faced North Dakota and came away with the victory.
After a quiet three innings for both teams, Seattle U got on the board first in the top of the fourth, as Jessica Ulrich (Lewiston, Idaho) singled to bring home Jenny Hurst (Laguna Niguel, Calif).
In the bottom of the fifth, North Dakota added a run of their own as Amanda Johnson homered to center field to tie the game, 1-1.
After a scoreless sixth inning, the Redhawks re-took the lead in the seventh, as Hurst singled to bring home Ashley DeVaere (Riverside, Calif.) for what proved to be the winning run.
Mandie Sugita (Rossmoor, Calif.) got the start for the Redhawks and pitched 4 1/3 inning, giving up one run, while walking one and striking out four. Ulrich entered the game in relief and notched the win. She is now 3-3 on the season.
Abby Jo Tometich pitched the entire game for North Dakota, giving up two runs, one of which was earned, on six hits, while walking three and striking out three batters.
Seattle U is 2-1 versus North Dakota this weekend going into the fourth and final matchup between the two teams tomorrow, Mar. 11, at 10 a.m. at Husky Softball Stadium.
Game 2 - Washington 8, Seattle U 0
In the second game of the day, the Redhawks gave up three runs in the first inning to the hosting Huskies, but were able to play solid defense to keep them scoreless through the second and third innings.
Washington added another run to the board in the bottom of the fourth as well as two more in each of the fifth and sixth innings to come away with their first win at home this season.
Richelle Ashburn (Post Falls, Idaho) got the start for Seattle U and pitched five innings, giving up six runs on eight hits, while walking four and striking out one. Sugita came into the game in relief, pitching 2/3 of an inning and giving up two runs on one hit.
Kaitlin Inglesby got the start and the win for the Huskies, pitching six innings and giving up only one hit, while striking out ten of twenty batters faced.
Seattle U (6-9) continues play at the Husky Softball Classic on Sunday, Mar. 11, facing North Dakota again at 10 a.m. and Washington at 4 p.m.