The start of the 2022 softball season feels eerily similar to the 2021 season — slow.
Considering there is an entirely new coaching staff, led by first-year coach Melissa Hansen, the Mountaineers have proven to be reliably competitive in an 0-5 start to the season. Three of Schreiner's losses have come in the final inning.
The Mountaineers lost to visiting Whitworth College in a doubleheader Friday night, 6-2 and 4-2. Whitworth, based in Spokane, Wash., is on a nine-day road trip, with the Pirates playing six games in Texas and six more in California.
On Friday night, Whitworth scored four runs in the second inning, powered by a grand-slam home run by Maddy Thomas. It was the first home run Schreiner's pitchers have allowed.
Marley Carrizales led the Mountaineers with two hits and two RBI. Starting pitcher Kaylee Culpepper earned the loss, giving up five earned runs. The Mountaineers stranded 10 base runners.
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In the second game, Schreiner battled behind a strong pitching effort from Bri Wodtke, who struck out four batters. The Mountaineers hit the ball hard against the Pirates, but some defensive gems in the outfield turned them back. Whitworth leftfielder Delayna Waite made a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch in the left-center gap that robbed Annie Wallace of extra bases.
Trailing 2-1, Schreiner tied the game in the fourth inning when Taci Tactum beat the tag on a passed ball at home plate. However, that's as close as the Mountaineers would get in the 4-2 loss.
Schreiner returns to action at noon Saturday to host a doubleheader against Pacific Lutheran.
For more photos from the game visit our Zenfolio page: https://thekerrcountyleadphotography.zenfoliosite.com/zg/schreiner-softball-vs-whitworth-college
Schreiner University's Taci Tatum slips under the tag to score against Whitworth on Friday night. |
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