During last weekend’s doubleheader against Dayton, senior Rachel Heet became Saint Louis University’s all-time leader in runs batted in.
“It’s amazing [for Heet]. It’s a milestone for her and for the program because it means we’re a force to be reckoned with in the Atlantic 10,” said sophomore Caitlin Trevillyan.
“It means a lot knowing I’ve helped the program get to the next level,” said Heet.
Since her sophomore year, Heet has been consistent in her play and steadily added to her statistics. Now, at the midpoint of her senior season, Heet ranks in the top 10 of every major statistical category in SLU’s record book. She is currently ranked fifth or higher in batting average, runs scored and RBIs.
“She’s a really big player on the team. She works hard and she’s a constant force,” said Trevillyan.
The previous record for career RBI’s was Ashleigh Williams’ record of 73. Heet entered this season only 12 RBIs shy of that record and surpassed it after 28 games.
With at least 24 games remaining in this season, Heet has the opportunity to break more records this season; however, Heet is just hoping that her play helps the team win games.
“I’m just trying to be a consistent and reliable source for the team,” Heet said. Heet has certainly helped her team this year with her leadership and on-field performances. And, even though Heet is not concerned with her individual statistics, based on her past play, she will continue to climb the SLU record charts.
“[The record] hasn’t hit me yet; it probably will at the end of the season. I’m just trying to be a consistent source [of production] on the team, but I think at the end of the year I’ll be proud of it,” said Heet.
Game Recaps
After sweeping conference foe Dayton last weekend, the Saint Louis University softball team suffered two tough losses last night to Western Illinois.
In the first game of the doubleheader, WIU had runners on base in the first three innings before finally breaking through with one run in the fourth inning. WIU added three runs in the sixth inning.
The Billikens managed only four hits in the game with their best scoring chance coming in the sixth inning. Sophomore Kristin Nicoletti hit a one-out single, and senior Rachel Heet drew a walk on the Billikens’ next at bat; however, a double play quickly ended the threat.
The Billikens were unable to muster any other scoring threats, and, as a result, the team suffered their fifth shutout loss of the season.
In the second game, the two teams traded runs in the first inning, and the Billikens captured the lead in the second inning with three more runs. Freshman Liz Jones hit a double, and Nicoletti hit a single before Heet drove both in with a triple. Junior Nicki Jost drove in Heet with a sacrifice fly for the final run of the inning.
However, WIU hit a solo home run in the third inning and scored five runs in the fifth to take the lead from the Billikens.
The Billikens scored a run in the bottom of the fifth to cut the deficit to two, but WIU added four runs in the seventh to seal the win.
The Billikens attempted to rally in the bottom of the seventh but only managed to score one run for a final score of 11-6.
The series with WIU ended SLU’s first of two homestands this season. The Billikens will now play ten games on the road, beginning with Friday’s game against conference rival Rhode Island.
