KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The University of Minnesota Crookston softball team picked up a 2-1 win over Southern Connecticut State University to cap a nine-game trip to Florida at The Spring Games. The Golden Eagles added the game Wednesday, March 15 against the Owls to make up for games lost earlier in the season.
UMN Crookston is on a five-game win streak. The Golden Eagles improved to 12-13 with Wednesday's victory. The Owls dropped to 3-6 with the loss. Minnesota Crookston is just three wins shy of their 2022 wins total. The Golden Eagles have their most non-conference wins in program history.
The Golden Eagles took part in a pitcher's duel against the Owls.
Gracelynn Kelly (Fr., RHP, Black Hawk, S.D.) picked up the win after tossing four innings of shutout softball. Kelly struck out six and walked one and allowed just two hits.
Evie Stuck (So., RHP, Papillion, Neb.) shut the door in relief after going three innings and allowing one unearned run on two hits. She struck out two. Stuck picked up her second save of the season.
The loss went to Southern Connecticut State's Jessica Perucki, who dealt six innings, allowing two unearned runs on five hits. Perucki struck out eight and had no walks.
Minnesota Crookston tallied five hits Wednesday.
Shaelyn Grant (So., C/OF, Grand Junction, Colo.) led the way going 2-of-2 with an RBI.
Whitnee Curry (So., MIF, Lincoln, Neb.) finished 1-of-3, with an RBI and a run scored.
Alina Avalos (Sr., IF, Riverside, Calif.) and
Paige Shwaluk (Jr., MIF, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba) were each 1-of-3.
The Golden Eagles broke the scoreless tie in the fourth inning. Curry opened up the scoring with a single to right field to drive in
Dana Zarn (Sr., 3B, Winnipeg, Manitoba). Grant then delivered an RBI single, bringing in Curry.
The Owls attempted to rally in the top of the seventh. They got one back when pinch-hitter Alex Tenero grounded out, driving in Gabby Festa. Southern Connecticut State had Dominique DeLutri on second after a double, but Stuck was clutch as she secured the final two outs to preserve the 2-1 win.
The Golden Eagles open NSIC play Tuesday, March 28 at 2 and 4 p.m., against Bemidji State University.
