Last year, the Saint Louis University women’s softball team had its struggles. But they’re improving.

Yesterday at the Billiken Sports Center, the Bills (5-14) split a double header with Austin Peay State 2-3, 7-0. Only one-third of the way through the season, they’ve already eclipsed last years win total.

“Last year was last year. The program is on its way up,” assistant coach Amy Doyle said.

SLU’s offense failed to show up in game one, but Kristen Rossi held her own. The freshman pitcher went all seven innings, giving up three runs on six hits.

She struck out a game-high six batters with everything from chest-high fastballs to off-speed breaking pitches.

“Kristin pitched well; she just didn’t have the offense to back her up,” said Doyle.

The Bills nearly stole the game in the bottom of the fifth inning as they rallied from an 3-0 deficit. Erin Jeffrey led off with a bunt and beat out the throw to first base.

Jeffrey stole second, and Jamie Hayden followed with a sacrifice bunt that moved Jeffrey to third. After a Bridget Fletcher bunt, Jeffrey snuck in to score the Bills first run.

With two outs and Fletcher on second, Beth Yagge hit a double into the gap, scoring Fletcher, and making the score 3-2. SLU would get no closer, however, as Janet Venorsky popped up to second to end the inning.

The second game of the night marked an offensive revival for the Billikens. They exploded for six runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to secure victory.

Janet Venorsky and Denise Setchfield each had one hit, one run and two runs batted in. Jeffrey had another solid game with two hits and two runs scored, while pitcher Jennifer Riva pitched well. She gave up only five hits and no runs in all seven innings, while striking out five.

The Bills start their six-stop road trip on March 25, as they face Wichita State and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Their next home game isn’t until March 28 against Bradley.