The STLCC softball team took home more hardware on Thursday, May 16, by defeating Lewis and Clark CC twice to capture the District P Championship.
In game one of the best-of-three series, the Archers fell behind early when the Trailblazers pushed two runs across in the opening frame. The Lewis and Clark lead wouldn't last long, as the STLCC bats woke up in the bottom of the 3rd, leading to five runs. Four more tallies for the Archers pushed the lead to 9-2 after five innings, leading to a 10-2 victory. Collecting multiple hits in game one were Kacy Bergfeld, Abby Lavely, Miranda Hudson, and Haley Schmutz. Schmutz went a perfect 3-3 at the plate, which included a home run and five runs driven in. Sophia Koesterer picked up the win in the circle for the Archers, throwing four and one third innings in relief of starter Sarah Shepard and allowed no runs on just one hit.
The Archers jumped on the Trailblazers early in game two and led 6-1 after three innings. The STLCC lead held up until the 5th inning, when Lewis and Clark plated five runs and tied the score at 8. Abby Lavely was able to put the Archers back on top in the 6th inning by driving in Mariah Newby. The one run lead would be all that Hannah Marquardt would need on the mound, as she slammed the door and collected her first save of the season. Sidney Litviak picked up the win in relief for STLCC. Offensively, the Archers received multi-hit performances from Kacy Bergfeld, Tori Siebum, and Sidney Litviak. Litviak also drove in four runs and homered in the contest.
With the pair of wins against Lewis and Clark CC, STLCC has qualified for the NJCAA DII Softball Championship. The tournament is scheduled for May 22-25 at Traceway Park in Clinton, MS. The Archers will know their seed and first round tournament opponent in the coming days.