Seattle University softball (14-19) spent the weekend in Santa Barbara playing in the Gaucho Classic II. They played in five games total over the weekend going 3-2.
It was a solid weekend for the Redhawks who have had trouble keeping runs off the board in past weeks. They gave up just four total runs in their wins during the Classic.
The weekend started on a bad note as San Diego took it to the Redhawks resulting in a 2-12 Seattle U loss. Freshman Redhawks pitcher Andie Larkins struggled giving up eight earned runs. Their hitting couldn’t get it together either managing just two runs on three hits. This would be a low point for the team over the weekend as they managed two wins in their final four games.
Barely removed from giving up 12 runs, the Redhawks gathered themselves and got a 2-0 win over UCSB. Junior Alyssa Reuble pitched a complete game shutout while striking out three. It was a strong outing by Reuble who has been key for the Redhawks success this season.
“We came back after a big loss against San Diego,” said head coach Geoff Hirai. “We showed a lot of character and fight today.”
Reuble followed up the gem with an even stronger effort. Reuble tossed nine strikeouts in another complete game outing in a 3-1 win over San Diego, exacting revenge from their loss the day before.
Seattle U was not able to continue its roll as UCSB defeated them later that day 3-6. Larkins struggled again giving up four runs in just two innings of work. On the other side, senior Ashley Ludlow pitched a complete game, giving up three runs to secure the win for the Gauchos. Jessica Johnston hurt the Redhawks by driving in four runs for the Gauchos.
Seattle U was able to come home happy with a win over Santa Clara in the weekend finale. Reuble picked up her third win and complete game of the season in a 5-4 victory. Reuble gave up three runs in the first three innings before the offense clicked to score four unanswered runs, including a walk off hit for senior Isabella Geronimo. Geronimo played an important role earlier in the fourth inning, scoring a run to pull them within one to help set up the comeback.
Overall it was a successful weekend for the Redhawks picking up three wins thanks to Reuble. She was recently named WAC Pitcher of the Week for her impressive tournament outings. She will need to continue this hot streak in order to keep the team steady going forward.
Seattle U starts conference play next weekend, and will travel to Las Cruces, N.M. to take on New Mexico State in a three game series beginning Friday, and ending with a double header on Saturday.
Willy may be reached at [email protected]
