TUCSON, Ariz. – The Baldwin Wallace University softball team earned a split with two NAIA opponents on the second day of competition at the annual Tucson Invitational Games at Lincoln Park.
BW (3-1) opened the day by picking up a 12-5 victory over Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) University then closed out day two with a heartbreaking 4-3 loss to Madonna (Mich.) University in the nightcap.
In game one, the Yellow Jackets scored 12 runs on a season-high 21 hits as they plated one run in the first, three runs in the second, one each in the fourth and fifth, two runs in the sixth and four in the seventh. Dakota Wesleyan scored five runs on six hits as it scored three runs in the third and two in the fourth.
The BW offense was led by senior All-Ohio Athletic Conference and Academic All-OAC right fielder Alexis Boledovic (Brook Park/Berea-Midpark) and senior left fielder Abbie Thompson (Madison) as the duo combined for eight hits. Boledovic went 4-for-5 with two doubles, a triple and four runs batted-in (RBIs.) Thompson was 4-for-4 with three runs scored.
In addition, junior Academic All-OAC second baseman Alex Kozich (Avon) was 3-for-5 with a double, triple, one RBI and two runs scored. Freshman third baseman Kami Helm (Uniontown/Green) went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI. Freshman designated played Ashley Matousek (Sagamore Hills/Akron Archbishop Hoban) was 2-for-3 with a double and one RBI. Senior catcher Sami Minor (North Royalton) went 2-for-5 with a double, two RBIs and one run scored. Three other Yellow Jackets recorded a base knock, including a double and three RBIs.
In the circle, freshman right hander Hannah Welling (Ravenna) made her first collegiate start and allowed three runs on three hits with five strikeouts and three walks in 2.2 innings. Sophomore All-OAC left hander Abby Cosart (Lima/Bath) tallied her second win of the season as she allowed two runs on three hits with one strikeout and two walks. Freshman righty Nikki Camarati (Brunswick/Holy Name) picked up her first collegiate save as she pitched the final two innings and did not allow a hit or run with three strikeouts
In game two, BW scored three runs on 10 hits as it plated one run in the first, second and fourth innings. Madonna scored four runs on seven hits as it scored one run in the first, two in the sixth and the winning run in the seventh.
The Yellow Jacket offense was led by Helm and Kozich as the pair tallied five of the 10 hits. Helm was 3-for-3 while Kozich went 2-for-2 with a double, RBI and run scored. Five other BW hitters had a base knock, including a double and two RBIs.
In the circle, Camarati pitched her first collegiate complete game and suffered her first loss as she allowed four runs (two earned) on seven hits with three strikeouts and four walks.
The Yellow Jackets are back in action on Wednesday, March 6 when they continue play at the Tucson Invitational games with a doubleheader against Brevard (N.C.) College at 1:00 and 3:30 p.m.
