3/10/25 Fulton, MO - The Westminster softball team split its doubleheader against Stephens on Sunday, delivering an offensive explosion in a 16-6 victory before falling 9-1 in the second game. The Blue Jays showcased their power at the plate in the opener, gaining 13 hits and taking advantage of Stephens' defensive struggles. However, their offense was stifled in Game 2, managing just two hits as Stephens pulled away late.
Game 1: Westminster 16, Stephens 6
Stephens jumped out to an early 3-0 lead after the first inning, but Westminster responded in a big way in the third. Tatum Bradshaw's two-run homer and Morgan Rusley's two-RBI single helped spark a five-run frame, giving the Blue Jays their first lead of the day. Westminster added four more runs in the sixth, highlighted by Raigan McKee's two-run home run, before breaking the game open with a seven-run seventh inning. The Blue Jays capitalized on two Stephens errors in the final inning, with Kendall Weber delivering an RBI double and Bradshaw adding a two-run single to put the game out of reach. Weber led the offense with a 3-for-4 performance, driving in three runs, while Bradshaw finished with four RBIs. Rusley and McKee each recorded two hits and drove in multiple runs as well.
Peityn Thomas earned the win in the circle, pitching five innings while allowing seven hits and five earned runs. Madison Plybon came in for relief, striking out four over two innings to seal the victory.
Game 2: Stephens 9, Westminster 1
Westminster struck first in the second game when Paige Cruzan stole home following a defensive error in the first inning. However, the lead was short-lived, as Stephens responded with two runs in the bottom of the inning and never looked back. The Blue Jays were limited to just two hits in the game, struggling to generate the same offensive momentum they had in the first game. Stephens pulled away in the fifth inning, gaining six runs to enforce the run rule and end the game early.
Westminster will look to bounce back when they travel to Illinois College on Saturday, March 15, for a doubleheader at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The Blue Jays will aim to recapture their offensive firepower and build consistency as they continue non-conference play.
