CLERMONT, Fla. - The Luther softball split the second day of action at The Spring Games. The Norse defeated Smith College 12-4 in six innings followed by a narrow 2-1 loss to Hamilton College. Luther is now 4-4 overall on the season.
Game 1: Luther 12, Smith 4 (6 inn.)
Smith quickly scored three runs in the top of the first but the Norse would answer in the bottom of the inning.
Anna Forari hit a single to get the offense going for Luther. After a walk was issued to
Ken Vavrichek the Norse had two aboard as they both advanced into scoring position off a wild pitch.
Abby Spore drove in the first run of the day for Luther off her single. Following her was
Riley Sauser who reached on a fielder's choice earning an RBI as the Norse pulled within one.
After a scoreless second inning Luther added four runs in part to doubles from Sauser,
Raven Allen and
Jerrianne Dannenmueller to overtake the lead 6-3. The Pioneers got on run back in the fourth the Norse kept up the offensive pressure after Spore hit another single driving in another two runs for an 8-4 advantage.
In the bottom of the sixth the Norse scored four runs off four hits. As Forari, Spore and Dannenmueller were credited with RBI.
Spore was 3-3 and led the team with four RBI.
Cyrah Rasmussen picked up her first win in the circle. She pitched three innings allowing five hits, one run with one earned.
Game 2: Luther 1, Hamilton 2
The Continentals added one run in the first and fourth inning taking a 2-0 lead going into the sixth. Forari led with a lead-off single up the middle. Then with one out Spore singled to centerfield pushing the lead runner to third. Sauser followed with a sac fly for an RBI as the Norse cut the lead to one. In the top of the seventh Luther was down to their final out with the bases loaded. Hamilton snagged the final out shutting down the comeback for Luther.
Olivia Engler pitched six innings giving up two hits, two runs with one earned. She also recorded seven strikeouts and is now 2-2 overall.
UP NEXT
The Norse will play Keuka College at 12:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. CT followed by Carleton College at 2:45 p.m. ET / 1:45 p.m. CT in Clermont, Fla. on Monday, March 18.