The No. 21 College of St. Benedict softball team defeated conference rival No. 4 University of St. Thomas 3-1 in the first game of a doubleheader Wednesday afternoon at St. Thomas’ South Field.
After a quick first inning run, the Tommies (14-3 overall, 2-1 MIAC) were kept quiet by the Blazers (14-4 overall, 2- 0 MIAC). Sophomore Aly Hjort pitched a complete game, allowing only one run in the seven innings, despite giving up seven hits.
The lone Tommie run was batted in by senior infielder Chase Shortly with a triple in the first inning.
First-year infielder Jordan Swoboda lead the Blazers with a RBI single in the second inning and a RBI triple in the third.
Tommies junior relief pitcher Hailey Dunning gave the Tommies a chance at the end, allowing just one hit in four innings.
The Tommies threatened with two runners and no outs in the seventh, but recorded three straight outs to the end the game.
The Tommies play again at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at South Field.
Alex Panos can be reached at pana8391@stthomas.edu.