Softball - Warriors Open Season with Split Against Clarke

The Waldorf softball team opened their 2023 season on Saturday, playing Clarke University in a non-conference doubleheader in the Packer Dome. The Warriors split on the day, lost the first game 3-7 and won the second 3-1.

In Game 1, the Pride took an early lead in the first inning by scoring two runs. The Pride continued their momentum to score one run in the third and fourth inning to extend the lead 0-4.

The Warriors had a big fifth inning by scoring three runs from Gabby Bierly (FR/Eagan, MN), Paige Pierson (SO/Cambridge, IA), and Kierra Lynn Shulz (JR/Lena, IL).

The Pride scored three more runs in the sixth inning to take the first game, 3-7.

Pierson had two doubles with one RBI and Annah Sheffield (JR/Sheffield, AL) had two RBIs.

For the second game, the first three innings remained scoreless. Clarke was the first to score in the fourth inning.

The Warriors responded well by scoring two runs in the sixth and one in the seventh to win 3-1. Pitcher McKenna Mentink (SR/Mason City, IA) got the win and finished with two strike outs. Four athletes had a double, Emily Muro (SR/Stanton, CA), Kaela Eslinger (JR/Macksburg, IA), Schulz, and Pierson. Maddie Dalke (JR/Medford, OR) and Pierson had an RBI.

"It's always fun to get out and compete against someone who isn't yourself! We have talked all year about playing with passion and having energy on the field and in the dugout," Head Coach Justin Uhlenhopp stated. "I thought our girls did a great job at this all day and was really proud of that. We learned a lot about where we are currently and now know what we need to focus on moving forward."

The Warriors will compete next against St. Ambrose for a doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 18^th.