Seattle University softball began Pacific Coast Softball Conference play with two victories at Idaho State (3-23). The Redhawks won game one, 5-3, and took game two, 4-0.
"The team played well in very windy conditions today," said head coach Dan Powers. "Mandie and Richelle dominated in the circle. We had some timely hitting and solid defense to get some big wins to kick off PCSC play."
Game 1 - Seattle U 5, Idaho State 3
Seattle U took the early lead, 1-0, in the top of the first as Jenny Hurst (Laguna Niguel, Calif.) scored on a sacrifice fly by Lisa Maulden (Maple Valley, Wash.). However, the Bengals charged back, taking the 3-1 lead to end the inning.
Seattle U retook the lead for good, 4-1, adding three runs of their own in the top of the second, as Jessica Ulrich (Lewiston, Idaho) scored on a Sarah Petosa (Auburn, Wash.) single, and Allegra Wilde (Kennewick, Wash.) and Karina Smyth (San Luis Obispo, Calif.) scored on a Bubba Morrow (Auburn, Wash.) single to left center.
The Redhawks added a final run in the top of the third as Ulrich scored on a Theresa Clark (Lakewood, Colo.) sacrifice fly to center field. A quiet final four innings ended the game and Seattle U came away with the win, 5-3.
Richelle Ashburn (Post Falls, Idaho) got the start in the circle for Seattle U and earned the win, giving up three runs on only four hits, while walking two and striking out seven in seven innings pitched.
Kelsi Ott started for Idaho State and took the loss, allowing all five runs on seven hits, while striking out three in three innings pitched. Amanda Fitzsimmons allowed three hits and struck out seven batters faced in four relief innings.
Game 2 - Seattle U 4, Idaho State 0
The Redhawks begun game two with dominance, adding three runs to the board in the top of the second inning. Maulden started off the inning with a solo home run to right field. Later in the inning, the Redhawks added two runs with the bases loaded, one by Brianna Guerrero (Buena Park, Calif.) on a Petosa single and Ulrich scored on a Hurst walk.
A quiet subsequent four innings sent the game into the seventh with Seattle U still leading, 3-0. Petosa scored a run of her own on a Morrow double with two outs in the top of the inning. The Bengals left two runners in scoring position in the bottom of the inning, but were unable to score, and the Redhawks came away with the 4-0 win.
Mandie Sugita (Rossmoor, Calif.) pitched the entire game and notched the win for Seattle U, allowing eight hits, while walking two and striking out four in seven innings pitched.
Haley Douglas started in the circle for the Bengals and was handed the loss, giving up three runs on two hits, while walking five and striking out four in three innings pitched. Fitzsimmons entered in relief and allowed one run on two hits while striking out five.
Seattle U (9-16) faces Idaho State for a second and final doubleheader, starting at 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 1.