4/2/25 Fulton, MO - Westminster split its conference-opening doubleheader at Fontbonne, falling 3-1 in the opener before bouncing back with a dominant 12-4 win in five innings. The Blue Jays now shift their focus to their next conference matchup against Blackburn on Saturday, April 5, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Game 1: Fontbonne 3, Westminster 1
In Game 1, Westminster struggled to find offensive momentum in a pitchers' duel, as Fontbonne capitalized on timely hitting to secure the win. The Griffins took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning and added two key runs in the fifth. Westminster's only run came in the sixth when Kendall Weber singled, advanced on a hit-by-pitch and an error, and eventually scored on a catcher's throwing error. Despite putting runners in scoring position, the Blue Jays couldn't break through against Fontbonne's pitching. Weber led the offense, going 2-for-3 with a run scored, while Chloe Ferguson added a hit. Peityn Thomas delivered a solid complete-game effort on the mound, allowing just five hits and three earned runs over six innings while striking out five.
Game 2: Westminster 12, Fontbonne 4 (5 innings)
The Blue Jays responded in Game 2, erupting for 15 hits and 12 runs to secure a run-rule victory. Westminster struck first in the first inning when Raigan McKee's RBI single plated Weber. After Fontbonne tied the game in the third, Westminster exploded with five runs in the fourth and another five-run inning in the fifth to put the game out of reach.
Paige Cruzan had a huge performance at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a home run and four RBIs, while Weber added two hits, three RBIs, and three runs scored. McKee also contributed, finishing 3-for-4 with three RBIs, while Felicity Kirby went 2-for-4 with two runs. Madison Plybon started in the circle and went 3.1 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits before handing the game over to the bullpen. Cruzan and Payton Dudenhoeffer combined to close out the win, with Dudenhoeffer tossing a scoreless inning to seal the victory.
With their first conference win secured, Westminster looks to carry its offensive momentum into Saturday's home doubleheader against Blackburn. The Blue Jays will aim to continue their strong hitting and climb the SLIAC standings.
