The Saint Louis University Softball team, 8-17 on the season and
0-6 in Conference USA, is looking to bring up their level of play
and compete with the best teams in conference.
The Billikens fell to a double header to the Louisville
Cardinals on Wednesday at the Billiken Sports Complex. Louisville
remains a tough opponent at 17-7 on the season and 3-1 in the
conference.
The Cardinals dominated game one, winning 16-2 and hitting five
home runs leading to the decisive victory.
“We have been playing some really good teams, but we can compete
with all of them,” said senior Cori Bittick. The Billikens came out
strong and ready to play in the second game. Freshman Elizabeth
Nielsen held the Cardinals to one hit in the first four innings,
but the Cardinals offense came pounding back in the fifth beginning
with a leadoff home run. Adrienne May tallied both of the
Billikens’ two hits in the 6-0 conference loss.
“We need to come together as a team; we have a lot of talent,”
said Bittick.
The Billikens also faced the Cardinals this Tuesday, losing 6-1
and ending their home-winning streak that began at the end of last
year.
The Cardinals, offense dominated the Billikens in that game as
well, blowing the game open in the third with a three-run homerun.
The Billikens struggled at the plate, getting a hit in the second
but not seeing another until the seventh.
“We rely a lot on our defense, and once our hitting gets going
we are going to be a really strong team,” said Bittick.
Over the break, the team traveled to Tallahassee, Fla. to play
eight games, coming away with two wins. The Billikens defeated
Florida A&M 3-1 to start off the trip. Kristin Rossi claimed
the win, allowing only four hits. May had two of the Billikens’ six
hits, scored and drove in a run. The Billikens also collected a 3-2
win against Robert Morris to end a five game losing streak.
The Billiken softball team is looking to improve their record,
with many games remaining on the season.
“Our ultimate goal is to make to Conference USA and play our
best,” said Bittick.
The Billikens will again take on the Cardinals on Friday at 1
p.m., this time in Louisville.
