This week saw the softball team competing in a total of four games. Will they continue their streak of dominance, or will their busy schedule create problems?
Tues, April 23rd
The first of four games this week saw the SXU Cougars competing against Trinity Christian College in a makeup game from April 8.
Game 1
In the first of the back-to-back games against Trinity, SXU came out and dominated, beating the team 9-1. The third inning is when everything came together for the Cougars, as senior Nicole Nonnemacher hit a two-run double down the center of the field. After this excitement, junior Brittany Plimmer had a three-run homer to end the inning by putting the Cougars up 5-0.
The Trinity Trolls were finally able to score at the top of the fifth, but SXU came right back. Centerfielder Kasey Kanga hit a RBI double, and then Pilmmer hit an RBI single to put the Cougars up 8-1. In the end, SXU took the game behind Brittany Pilmmer’s 10 hits and 4 RBIs, and Nicole Nonnemacher’s three RBIs and an improved winning record at now 18-1.
Game 2
In the second game, SXU took the game 7-0 in seven innings. Junior Callie Brown had a big game as she scored her first career home run, and had an RBI single to put the Cougars up 2-0 heading into the fourth. A grand slam in the sixth inning, by first basemen Franchesca Graffeo, put the team up 7-0, and ensured the win for the Cougars.
Wed, April 20th
Fresh off a pair of wins against the Trinity Trolls, the Cougars looked to get a couple more wins against Robert Morris University.
Game 1
The first game wasn’t even fair as SXU beat RMU 18-1 in five innings. The Cougars amazingly had at least three runs in the first four innings, with the 2nd being their best as they had seven runs off of seven hits. Another amazing thing to note was senior Nicole Nonnemacher. She improved her record to 19-1 as she pitched all five innings, and only gave up two hits with seven strikeouts.
Game 2
The second game was unfortunately ended early, due to heavy rain, but the Cougars still impressed in the six innings, winning 5-2. Brittany Pilmmer, and Jessica Arebalo each had two hits, and sophomore pitcher Caroline Kuzel got the win, improving her record to 5-2.
Sat, April 23rd
It was a special day for the seniors on the softball team as they were celebrated for their Senior Day. What better way to continue to celebrate then getting a win over Trinity International University?
Game 1
The first game saw the Cougars winning 8-0 in 5 innings. In the bottom of the first, the Cougars had four runs off fourhits. The Cougars continued their dominance in the bottom of the third, as they scored 4 more runs off of 3 hits. Senior Centerfielder Kasey Kanga was a highlight in the first game, as she had two hits, two RBIs and a run.
Game 2
Game two was much of the same story as SXU got the dominant 10-2 win in six innings. Trinity International started the second game with a homme run, but then SXU came back and got 4 runs in the bottom half. Nonnemacher had a RBI, and freshman Brianna Graffeo had a two-run homer to the left field. Sitting at 4-2 at the top of the 5th, the Cougars had three more runs off a RBI by freshman Alyssa Kolecki and one by Kasey Kanga. The game was finally ended early after Gaffeo had a two-run RBI.
After the game, senior players: Jessica Arebalo, Rebeka Ferguson, Kasey Kanga, and Nicole Nonnemacher were all honored by everyone in attendance.
Sun, April 24th
The final game was at the end of a grueling, but successful week for the Cougars. Will they find their 4th win against Purdue University Calumet, or will Purdue slow down the roll the Cougars have been on?
Game 1
The first game saw SXU taking the 6-0 win in seven innings of play. A four run third inning was the early highlight for SXU. This early run was fueled by juniors Brittany Pilmmer and Callie Brown. 2 runs later and the Cougars take the game. Senior Nicole Nonnemacher improved her record to 21-1 throwing all 7 innings, while tallying 12 strikeouts.
Game 2
Purdue took an early 3-0 lead after the second inning of play, but SXU answered back in the fifth inning as Rebeka Ferguson had a three-run homer to tie the game. Nonnemacher added a two-run RBI, and the Cougars were leading after the fifth. In the end, SXU made a riveting comeback, and took the game, 6-3.
With the year coming to a close, we can only hope that this team will be able to bring a championship back to Saint Xavier University.
Kenneth Washington
Deputy Sports Editor
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