TUSCON, Ariz. (Duhawks.com) - The Loras College Softball team opened play at the Tuscon Invitational Games with a mid-morning battle against the Yellow Jackets of Baldwin Wallace. A complete game shutout by senior Holly Klein kept momentum in favor of the Duhawks before Loras tacked on three runs in the top of the seventh to earn the win (3-0).

With Klein dealing on the mound, the Duhawks (3-2) defense kept the Yellow Jackets (4-6) bats at bay through the first two innings.

In the third inning, Baldwin Wallace seemed to be on their way to a run. A leadoff single, followed by a sacrifice bunt put a runner at second with one out. Getting greedy, the Yellow Jackets attempted to swipe third but senior catcher Nora Zerante fired a throw from the plate to get the runner. A momentum shifting play, the Duhawks held the Yellow Jackets without a hit for the remainder of the game.

A pair of double plays turned by Loras ended any scoring opportunities for Baldwin Wallace to push one across the plate, leaving the game scoreless entering the seventh inning.

Freshman Bria Lenten started the late inning rally, lacing a ball to the outfield for a ground rule double. Loras' next batter, freshman Regan Wolverton, reached base which put runners on second and third, with junior Ashley Hoffmann due up. 

Hoffman reached on a fielder's choice after Baldwin Wallace threw Lenten out at the plate, leaving runners on the corners with one out. Sophomore Cate Paulsen stepped to the plate, with hopes of being the hero. 

With the Yellow Jackets defense playing back, Paulsen laid down a perfect bunt. Catching the defense on their heels, the Yellow Jackets' miscue allowed Wolverton and Hoffmann to come around and score, giving the Duhawks a 2-0 lead with one out.

After the chaotic play stemming from her bunt, Paulsen stood on third with junior Julie Kistner at the dish. Making the most of the opportunity, Kistner capped the inning with an RBI-single to left.

Heading to the bottom of the seventh in front 3-0, the Klein stepped into the circle to secure the win. A mix of pitches retired the Yellow Jackets one, two, three, ending the game in favor of Loras.

Game Changer
A well executed bunt by sophomore Cate Paulsen caught the Yellow Jackets off guard, playing on their heels Baldwin Wallace committed a pair of errors … The Duhawks ability to capitalize on the miscues allowed them to take a lead in the final frame

Key Stat
Loras turned two double plays while not hitting into any, momentum plays that ended Yellow Jacket threats

Notables

• Sophomore Danielle Stromert finished the day 0-for-2, reaching base via two free passes … She has reached base in every game this season
• Senior Holly Klein pitched 7.0 innings without giving up a run … In 19.0 innings pitched this season, Klein has not surrendered an earned run
• Junior Julie Kistner finished the game with the lone RBI
• The win moves the Duhawks above .500 (3-2) for the first time this season

Up Next
The Duhawks return to the diamond tomorrow for a trio of games. An early start pins Loras against Cedar Crest at 8:00 a.m. (pst) before tackling Alfred (10 a.m.) and Staten Island (2:30 p.m.).