After getting humbled by St. Thomas following a phenomenal start, St. Olaf softball has won five of its last six contests, all coming against conference opponents.
Breakout ace Julie Graf ’20 has continued to baffle opposing hitters, pitching back-to-back complete games against Hamline and St. Mary’s, lowering her ERA to an astounding 0.74. St. Olaf has temporarily fixed its depth issues by pitching Graf even more, as she held Concordia and St. Mary’s to one run over nine innings of relief in the second game of doubleheaders. Durability could present concerns later on, but for now this strategy is working.
Emily Carr ’19 remains hot at the plate with a .450 batting average and .938 slugging percentage, now supported by the improved performances of Jessica Bentley ’18, Maggie Casper ’19 and Alison Curry ’19, all of whom are hitting above .300.
The Oles hold a 17-9 record, already eclipsing their win total of 14 from a year ago with plenty of softball yet to be played. Currently sitting at fifth in the MIAC, St. Olaf softball has dramatically improved. A playoff push seems imminent, and the hope for a conference championship is now a tangible possibility.
seidel1@stolaf.edu
