Peoria, IL- The Mount Mary University softball team traveled to Peoria, IL for the first of two trips this season, taking the field Thursday and Friday, the Angels won 2 out of their first 3 games, providing several reasons for excitement heading into the 2022 season.
Mount Mary 18, Lawrence 0
The Blue Angels wasted no time jump starting the offense to begin their 2022 campaign. After pushing one run across in the first inning, it looked as though the Blue Angels may leave the bases loaded and tally only one run in an inning with great promise. However, first year player Kylie Ann Kluck came through with a 2-out bases clearing triple. The clutch hit gave the Blue Angels a four-run lead and they would only add on from there. The Blue Angels pounded out 14 hits with 8 different players tallying a run batted in during the game. Other standouts offensively were Mary Defore with 3 hits and 2 runs batted in, Sam Allen and Aislynn Strutz also contributed 2 hits and 2 runs batted in respectively.
Defensively, Bri Lupa's dominance in the circle was the story for Mount Mary. Lupa dominated Lawrence, pitching 5 scoreless innings, surrendering only 1 hit and one base on balls to go with her 6 strikeouts. Lupa also contributed 3 runs batted in for the offense in the victory.
The season opening win for Mount Mary was the first win in an opener for MMU softball since 2015.
Mount Mary 3, Monmouth 2
Seeking their first 2-0 start in program history, the Blue Angels found themselves in a pitcher's duel against Monmouth. Bri Lupa continued her impressive pitching start for MMU, continuing her scoreless inning streak into the 5th frame, Lupa finished the win over Monmouth with 10 strikeouts and only 2 walks. Lupa is now 2-0 in the circle so far this season.
The Blue Angels shot out to an advantage once again, leading 3-0, however Monmouth came back and narrowed the margin to 3-2. The Scots had the equalizing run on 2nd base in the bottom of the 7th, however Lupa induced a fly ball to left field to put an end to the contest and send Mount Mary to a 2nd straight win.
Showing tremendous early season depth, new offensive heroes emerged for the Blue Angels. Lauren Nylund and Crystal Peterson each contributed 2 hits and a run batted in the victory.
Lincoln 6, Mount Mary 4
While it looked as though the Blue Angels may be headed for a third straight win, the Lynx of Lincoln College used a 5 run second inning to take a lead over Mount Mary. Lincoln would not relinquish that lead, despite Mount Mary narrowing the margin to 5-4. Lincoln held on to defeat the Blue Angels 6-4.
Marissa Heraly and Brianna Ecker each tallied 2 hits for Mount Mary to lead the offensive charge.
Coach Perry Clark on the three games and start to the season, "I'm very pleased with how we how our first three games went. For as many freshmen as we are playing I thought they performed well and made a quick adjustment to the college game." On Bri Lupa's pitching, "obviously thrilled with Bri's pitching, even more impressive as she was sick for the first two weeks of practice." Clark on the team's approach going forward, "our next trip to Peoria and then our games in Florida will certainly challenge us and we will see what level we are capable of playing at early in the season."
Carrying the momentum of a strong start, the Blue Angels will head back to Peoria for 4 games, March 3rd and 4th before embarking on their Spring trip to Florida.
The Blue Angels next contest will be Thursday, March 3rd in the collegiate slugger series, against Milwaukee rival Alverno College at 4 pm. Live stats will be available for all of the Slugger Series contests on mtmaryathletics.com
