Monday, March 25, 2019

PORTLAND, Ore. – In search of some success and momentum heading into this week's massive Tournament of Champions, the Concordia softball team was able to secure some big wins away from home with a perfect 4-0 week. 

The Cavaliers started the weekend with two victories in Hillsboro against Saint Martin's on Saturday. They then made the trip north to Ellensburg one day later, sweeping a doubleheader at Central Washington to run their winning streak to five games while earning the selection as GNAC Team of the Week.

"I can't be more proud of these athletes and the work they have continued to put in day in and day out," said head coach Shelley Whitaker. "They take both successes and failure personally and that drives them in practice. We have continued to rep mechanics and routine situations while also pressing on the offensive side."

That offense exploded against the Saints as the club tallied a pair of shutout victories, winning 12-0 in game one before posting a 7-0 victory in the nightcap. Junior Hannah Self shined in both contests, going 6 for 8 with four RBIs and four runs. The performance helped earn Self the honor of GNAC Offensive Player of the Week.

On the mound, senior Mckenzie Smith earned the victory in both of Sunday's contests. Smith came on in relief to seal the deal in a 6-4 win to start the day, then went all seven innings in the 7-2 decision to end the week.

Those efforts, in addition to her complete-game victory in Saturday's nightcap, gained Smith the GNAC Pitcher of the Week award. 

"Sweeping two quality programs this weekend was a huge step for us in our quest for establishing this program as an annual conference contender," Whitaker said. "Our goal isn't to play perfect every time we step on to the field, but to be better than we were the game before and play fundamental, Concordia-style softball."

The sweeps improved CU's record to 14-13 (7-5 GNAC), moving the team up to third place in the league standings. Central Washington remains in first place, with its only two losses coming at the hands of Concordia. 

The Cavaliers return to the field this week as they wrap up a stretch of 17 straight games away from home. The week will get underway with a doubleheader at Holy Names on Wednesday before the team takes to Turlock for five contests in the annual Tournament of Champions event.