The Gusties wrapped up their season last Saturday with a doubleheader against Carleton College. The team recorded two wins in these matches to finish with a season record of 23-17 and a record of 10-12 in conference play.

Going into its last two games of the season, the softball team was coming off a six game losing streak. The team dropped both games in doubleheaders against the University of St. Thomas and St. Olaf College.

On April 27, the team lost 3-9 and a heartbreaking 4-5 loss in its doubleheader against St. Catherine University. Head coach Britt Stewart said the team played their heart out and was proud of their ability to stay in the game.

“We did a great job of competing today,” Stewart said. “Our girls battled until the very last pitch. Aly Freeeman pitched her heart out on the mound and Emily Carlson started smoking the ball again. We also had great base running and some clutch hits, which was a great adjustment from the past few games.”

Coach Stewart commented that despite the losses, things were looking up for the Gusties and he was excited to take the field for the team’s final games on Saturday.

“I am proud of our leadership. We have been working on living out our three crowns and tonight I can say we did just that. We are working on the process rather than the outcome. We are looking forward to Saturday, and know today was something to build on.”

On April 29, the Gusties took the field for their final games and Senior Day.

“We are looking forward to Saturday and know today was something to build on.” — Coach Stewart

In the first game, Senior Hannah Heacox pitched her fifth career no-hitter and 20th career shutout, leading the Gusties to a 3-0 win. Heacox did more than just that in this game however. Her 20th career shutout made her the all-time shutouts leader in Gustavus Softball history.

With this confidence, driven by Heacox’s success, the team took the field for its second game and started off very strongly with six runs in the first inning.

“I am proud of our leadership. We have been working on living out our three crowns and tonight I can say we did just that.” — Coach Stewart

Throughout the game, Carleton made up the runs scored early by the Gusties and by the fifth inning the teams were tied 7-7. After five scoreless innings, Senior Ali Hoffman knocked in the game-winning run to give the Gusties their second win of the day.

Seniors Heacox, Hoffman, Rachel Malo, Brooke Willemsen, and Jenna Willis all played their hearts out for their final day in uniform, all recording hits in both games.

The Gusties have now wrapped up play for the season and ended sixth in conference.