MT. PLEASANT, Iowa - Westminster softball clinched a SLIAC Tournament berth with a doubleheader sweep of Iowa Wesleyan.
Westminster improves to 18-14 overall and remains a perfect 14-0 in the conference.
In game one, Westminster started the game off with an RBI single from Amber Tepen to score Brooke Laidley. Mackenzie Myers added another run by reaching on an error which scored Tepen, putting the Blue Jays up 2-0.
Westminster added two more runs in the second on another RBI from Tepen on a groundout, and a sacrifice fly form Katie Price. Callie Collier contined the scoring in the third with an RBI single.
The Tigers were able to get on the board in the fourth, scoring their lone run of the game.
Westminster answered in the sixth to score three more runs on a single from Tepen, a double from Myers, and Emily Holloway advancing to home on an error.
"Holloway and Laidley were both catalysts at the plate today," said Westminster Head Coach Joe Henderson.
Price earned the win to improve to 12-6 on the year, allowing just one run and one hit, striking out two.
In game two, the Blue Jays exploded in the first inning to take a quick 7-0 lead.
Price opened the game with an RBI single, followed by a three-run home run from Madison Washington. Brooklyn Bledsoe followed that up with an RBI single. Holloway, who started the inning, stepped up to the plate after the Blue Jays batted around the order to smash a double for two more runs.
In the third, Bledsoe added her second RBI of the game. Westminster scored its last three runs in the fourth, starting with an RBI double form Price to score two runs. The 11th and final Blue Jay run occurred after Madison Ingram reached on a fielder's choice and Tepen scored on an error.
Ingram started on the mound, pitching all five innings to earn her sixth win of the year, allowing one run on eight hits.
"We had two usual great pitching performances from Katie and Madison and that was enough to get us through," said Henderson.
Westminster plays its last away series of the season Thursday at Greenville before returning home Friday to face Spalding.
"Our remaining contests tomorrow and Friday will be tough," said Henderson. "After our busy schedule to end the season, the girls are tired, sore, and busy with schoolwork, but we are determined to win the conference championship."
