Exciting Day One at the Lindenwood Invitational: Softball Team Dominates the Competition!

ST. CHARLES, Mo. – The Lindenwood softball team (7-7) kicked off the Lindenwood Invitational in style with two exciting wins on Friday. They first defeated Green Bay (4-7) with a narrow 3-2 victory and then triumphed over Valparaiso (6-4) with a score of 4-2, bringing their season record even at 7-7.

Game One: Lindenwood 3, Green Bay 2

After losing to Green Bay earlier in the week, the Lions turned the tables with a thrilling walk-off win. Irelynn West hit a crucial RBI double in the bottom of the seventh inning, sealing the team’s victory. Lindenwood managed to score three runs on five hits, while Green Bay recorded two runs on eight hits.

Avery Wapp was the star pitcher for the Lions, throwing a complete game. She allowed only two runs (one earned), striking out seven batters. Five players from Lindenwood got hits, including West and Tori Hatton, who both contributed with RBIs.

It wasn’t until the fourth inning that the Lions found their hitting groove, starting with a single from Jolie McMinn. Following a couple of walks, a wild pitch allowed Theresa Snaidauf, who was pinch-running, to cross home plate, giving LU a 1-0 lead.

Green Bay fought back and tied the game in the fifth inning before taking a brief lead in the sixth. However, Hatton’s impressive home run tied the game once again. In the final inning, Anna Sanders’s single and a well-placed sacrifice bunt by Nicole Henson set the stage for West’s game-winning double, clinching a 3-2 win.

Game Two: Lindenwood 4, Valparaiso 2

In the first matchup ever between these teams, Lindenwood secured a 4-2 victory. They scored four runs on eight hits while Valparaiso had two runs from six hits but committed four errors.

Ryleigh Owens delivered a standout performance on the mound, allowing only two runs and striking out a career-high seven batters. Dallis Darnell led the batting lineup, going 2-for-2, while Anna Sanders made a significant impact with two RBIs.

After a quiet start, Lindenwood’s offense exploded in the fifth inning, scoring three runs. Following an error that allowed Henson to reach base, Hatton’s single and a walk for McMinn loaded the bases. Sanders then came through with a two-RBI single, putting LU ahead 3-0.

Valparaiso managed to cut the lead to 3-2, but McMinn’s insurance run in the bottom of the sixth put the Lions in a strong position. Owens closed out the game with three ground-outs.

The Lindenwood softball team will be back on the field Saturday, March 1, for two more games in the Lindenwood Invitational. Check lindenwoodlions.com for updates and details.

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