3/1/2025 Fulton, MO – The Westminster College softball team traveled to William Woods University for a Friday evening doubleheader but came up short in both games. The Owls claimed a dominant 14-0 win in five innings in game one before edging out the Blue Jays 1-0 in a pitchers' duel in game two. Westminster drops to 0-4 on the season, while William Woods improves their record with the sweep.
Game One
The Blue Jays struggled to get the bats going in the opener, as William Woods pitcher held them hitless through five innings. The Owls took control early, scoring one run in the first before exploding for eight runs in the second. A five-run fourth inning sealed the run-rule victory for the home team.
Westminster had a chance to break through in the fourth when Yadira Montes reached base on a walk, but a flyout ended the inning. In the fifth, the Blue Jays put runners in scoring position after Amber Dierling reached on an error, followed by another defensive mistake that allowed Chloe Ferguson to reach. However, Westminster was unable to capitalize, stranding the bases loaded.
Game Two
The next game featured a stellar pitching performance from Westminster's staff, keeping the game scoreless through six innings. The Blue Jays found themselves in scoring position early after Paige Cruzan tripled in the first inning, but they were unable to bring her home.
Cruzan continued to provide the offensive spark, doubling in the third, but Westminster couldn't push across a run. In the seventh, the Owls managed to break the deadlock with a single run, securing the 1-0 victory in walk-off fashion.
Payton Dudenhoeffer (0-1) delivered an outstanding performance in the circle, pitching 6.1 innings while allowing just five hits and one earned run. She struck out one batter and did not issue a walk, facing 25 total batters over 85 pitches. Despite the loss, Dudenhoeffer's efficiency kept the Blue Jays within striking distance throughout the contest.
The Blue Jays will now turn their focus to their home opener against Monmouth College (IL) on Sunday, March 2. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.
