Spires Softball Opens Season with Doubleheader Sweep Over William Woods
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
William Woods (MO) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 3 |
|
Saint Mary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | X | 4 | 6 | 1 |
LEAVENWORTH, KAN. – The University of Saint Mary softball team started their 2025 season on a high note, securing two wins in their home-opening doubleheader against William Woods University on Saturday. The Spires took the first game 4-2 before completing the sweep with a 6-4 victory in the second game.
Game 1: Saint Mary 4, William Woods 2
The Spires struck early in the opener, plating a run in both the first and second innings. In the first, Alexis McDaniel stole home to give Saint Mary the initial lead. Jessica Strandlund then tripled and came home on an error in the second inning to put the Spires up 2-0.
William Woods responded in the third with an RBI groundout by Rylee Hagens, cutting the lead to 2-1. However, Saint Mary extended their lead in the fourth as Alexis Hughes doubled to bring home Strandlund, and Kate Robinette capitalized on an error to steal home, making it 4-1.
The Owls managed one more run in the sixth on an RBI double from Ella Aguiar, but Saint Mary's pitching held strong. Desarae Chavez earned the win with five innings of work, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out five. Allie Cox closed the game with two scoreless innings for the save.
Key Performers
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Saint Mary: Jessica Strandlund (2-for-3, 2 R, 3B), Alexis Hughes (2-for-3, RBI, 2B), Desarae Chavez (W, 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 K), Allie Cox (Sv, 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 K)
Game 2: Saint Mary 6, William Woods 4
The Spires carried their momentum into the second game, once again setting the tone early with a three-run first inning. Megan Brinkman doubled to drive in Audrey Spellman before Brianna Camarena and Kate Robinette followed with RBI singles to push the lead to 3-0.
Brinkman continued her strong outing with another RBI single in the fifth, bringing home McDaniel. Spellman capped off the scoring with an RBI double in the sixth, securing a commanding 6-2 lead.
The Owls' lone scoring opportunity came in the third, where a pair of errors allowed two unearned runs to cross the plate. Saint Mary's pitching remained solid, as Grace Rose and Allie Cox combined to limit William Woods to just four hits.
Key Performers
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Saint Mary: Audrey Spellman (3-for-3, 2 R, 2B, RBI), Megan Brinkman (2-for-3, 2 RBI, 2B), Kate Robinette (2-for-3, RBI), Grace Rose (W, 4.0 IP, 2 R, 0 ER), Allie Cox (3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 K)
Up Next
With an undefeated start, the Spires will look to build on their success as they prepare for their next set of games. They are set to face off against Missouri Valley on Saturday, February 8th at 1pm and 3pm as they continue their early-season action.