The Red Raider softball team brought out the brooms and swept rival Dordt in a pair of lopsided wins in Monday’s doubleheader.
Junior Lindsey Riemen. Photo by Emilee Berry
The Raiders won the first game 11-2 and finished the day with a 12-0 shutout of the Defenders thanks in part to junior Katie VandeVoort’s no-hitter pitching performance.
In her five innings, VandeVoort allowed just one walk with five strikeouts on 16 at-bats for the defenders. VandeVoort’s no-hitter marked the first for the Raiders since 2008.
“I honestly did not even realize that I had pitched a no-hitter until after the game when Coach (Chris Nachtigall) told me,” VandeVoort said. “It was definitely exciting, but all that I really care about is just doing the best for my teammates, and that’s all that really matters to me.”
In game one, the Raiders tallied seven base hits in five innings with 10 RBIs.
Junior first baseman Lindsey Remien recorded two base hits, scored on a run and batted in three more. Freshman third baseman Laura Hurley also recorded three RBIs on a double to right-center. She also scored a run.
Freshman infielder Tierra Fletcher went 1-2 at-the dish and also recorded an RBI.
Junior pitcher Keely Bracelin allowed only three hits and notched seven strikeouts after allowing two runs in the first inning.
The Raiders totaled nine hits in game two and put the Defenders away with an eight-run fourth inning. Remien again tallied two base hits, two runs scored and three RBIs.
Junior shortstop Alex Price and freshman outfielder Clarissa Ipema each recorded two base hits, two RBIs and two runs scored. Hurley also recorded an RBI on three at-bats.
“I think the past few games we have really shown what we are capable of doing offensively and defensively,” VandeVoort said. “Our defense has been tight, and our bats have been on fire.”
With Monday’s pair of wins, the Raiders now find themselves on a four-game winning streak and a record above .500 for the first time since March 23.
Entering the heart of the conference schedule, the Raiders currently have a 6-2 record in the GPAC.
“We just need to focus on staying consistent, making small adjustments in each game to the other team, having high energy and remembering to have fun because that is when we play our best,” VandeVoort said.
Tonight’s doubleheader against the Midland Warriors will be postponed until Monday night.
