V-Hawks Compete in Tucson Invitational Games

TUCSON, Ariz. – The Viterbo University Softball team traveled to Tucson, Arizona this week for the Tucson Invitational Games Softball tournament, finishing the week with an 0-6 record. The V-Hawks fell to Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) 0-9, Friends University (Kan.) 12-13, Northwestern University (Iowa) 1-9, Doane University (Neb.) 4-10, St. Clair College (ON) 3-8, and Cottey College (Mo.) 3-11. Viterbo now sits at 0-10 on the season.

Starting off the week against Embry-Riddle, Brittany Slocum was a bright spot for the V-Hawks offense, going 2-for-2 on the day, and Sydney Kaakenson had a hit on her only plate appearance. Maddie Wilkey (0-2) recorded the loss.

The bats would be much more alive against Friends, as Slocum, Makayla Nortman, and Megan Jardine all had three hits apiece, and three more had two hits. Slocum had a team-leading two RBI's. Wilkey recorded the loss with one strikeout.

Northwestern's defense stifled the V-Hawk offense, allowing only six hits, from six different players, in the five-inning match. Alina Garstka went 1-for-2, recording the lone RBI for Viterbo, and Payton Lamont struck out one batter.

Haakenson had another productive game against Doane, going 3-for-4, and reaching home twice. Morgan James also had a hit that brought in a pair of RBI's. Grace Brewer would also have a RBI-hit on her only plate at-bat. Wilkey struck out a single batter in 4.2 IP.

Nortman had a 2-for-3 performance against Cottey, while Haakenson had a pair of RBI's, and James earned an RBI on her hit. Wilkey had another strikeout in her 5.0 IP.

The V-Hawks take the diamond against Clarke University (Iowa) on Thursday, March 23 in their home opener.