Moving Up In The Rankings, Augustana Finishes Strong At THE Spring Games

Moving Up In The Rankings, Augustana Finishes Strong At THE Spring Games

The Vikings picked up a pair of wins, starting with an 8-0 win over Nyack (NY), and closing out the day with a 12-0 no-hitter over Millersville (PA).

Mar 13, 2019 by Chez Sievers
null

Playing for the final time during their spring break trip in Florida, the No. 18 Augustana softball team made a significant statement on the diamond. The Vikings picked up a pair of wins, starting with an 8-0 win over Nyack (NY), and closing out the day with a 12-0 no-hitter over Millersville (PA). Augustana picks up their eighth straight win and moves to 16-4 (0-0 NSIC) on the year.

  • For the second straight day, starter Olivia Wolters was outstanding in game one. The junior threw a complete-game two-hitter. She racked up five strikeouts in the win.
  • Mary Pardo had one of the best games of her career in game one, going 3-3 with two home runs. 
  • In game two, Ashley Mickschl recorded the Viking's first no-hitter of the year. Her complete-game shutout also included three strikeouts. 
  • The Viking recorded shutouts in 8-of-12 games in Florida, including the last five. 
  • During the 12 game trip, the Viking outscored their opponents 110-17
  • Augustana hit 121-for-329 (.368) during the spring break trip

No. 18 Augustana 12, Millersville 0

Olivia Wolters took the ball in game one and was lights out from the start. With a full arsenal of pitches working, she tossed a complete-game two-hitter. 

Wolters notched five strikeouts in the five-inning performance. Over the last three games, the Minnesota native has allowed zero runs and lowered her ERA below 1.70. The righty is now 8-3 on the year.

Pardo also continued her strong start this season with a 3-3 performance, including a career-high two home runs. The freshman from Andover, Minnesota is hitting .375 on the year with four home runs. 

The Vikings also got contributions up and down the lineup in the 12-run win. 

No. 18 Augustana 8, Nyack 0

The story in game two was all about another dominant pitching performance from Augustana's starting staff. This time it was Ashley Mickschl, who went the distance for the complete-game no-hitter. It's the first no-no of the year for Augustana.

Mickschl now leads the team with a 7-2 record and a 1.49 ERA.

The Vikings bats provided run support early and often in game two, starting in the first frame. With a pair of runners on, Kendall Cornick single to left, allowing Pardo to score.

Maggie Kadrlik followed with an RBI, and then Shannon Petersen stepped in and clubbed a two-run shot to make it four-nothing. Before the first was over, Samantha Eisenreich added an RBI double to right.

Pardo added a solo shot in the second, and by the 5th, it was a 7-0 game. Abbie Lund, and Mickschl both added RBI singles, and then Cornick put the game on ice with a two-run home run. Cornick leads the team with a .395 batting average. 

The Vikings now return to Sioux Falls, but their next action is scheduled for March 22, 2019, in St. Joseph, Missouri. The Viking will take on six teams over three days, all of which are regional opponents.