St. Joseph dominates Conway Christian softball

By Bridget Thomas and Katie Davis
UCA sportswriting

Despite the windy conditions Monday afternoon, the St. Joseph Lady Bulldogs dominated Conway Christian, 15-0.

St. Joseph pitcher Jordyn Hess started off hot with three back-to-back strikeouts. Once up to bat, the Lady Bulldogs found it easy to rack up runs. Sam Hoelzman was first to bat for St. Joe. A bunt advanced her to first base where she then stole second. Jordan Justice received her first RBI of the game with another stolen base from Hoelzman.

The Lady Bulldogs scored five runs in the first inning.

The game was called for the sportsmanship rule at the bottom of the third, 15-0. Conway Christian only batted through once before the game was called.

“St. Joseph was able to put pressure on our team for the first time,” said coach Jeremy Carson, whose team had notched the first win in program history last week against Abundant Life. “St. Joseph was able to bunt and hit the fences, so we couldn’t really key in because they could do it all. They are a very talented team.”

Strong winds proved not to be an obstacle for Hess, a freshman, who added two more back-to-back strikeouts for the Lady Bulldogs.

“She’s pretty steady and calm," St. Joseph coach Lisa Bates said. "I asked her if she would have any trouble but she just said no.”

The Lady Eagles ended the second inning with Karalee Duker left on base and no runs. She had the Lady Eagles' only hit, a double.

Up 5-0, the Lady Bulldogs got a big hit to left field from Rachel Briggler, who eventually stole home. Duker, the CCS pitcher, struggled to keep control of the ball, resulting in two walks in the second inning. St. Joe increased its lead to 9-0 after two innings.

Briggler and Jessica Justice each scored three runs for St. Joe while Hoelzman, Jordan Justice, and Katie Halter each scored twice.

The Lady Bulldogs will play again Tuesday against Harding Academy. Conway Christian will play again Friday at England.