The University of Redlands softball team took two from visiting University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (TX) in today's non-conference doubleheader by scores of 5-1 and 6-1. The Bulldogs relied on stellar pitching and well-timed hitting to defeat the Crusaders at the Redlands "Field of Dreams."

During the first game, the Maroon and Gray initiated the scoring in the bottom of the first when senior catcher Nicky Neumann (Fremont, CA) connected on an RBI-single through the left side with two outs. She plated freshman shortstop Kirsten Milliner (Torrance, CA), who tripled to lead off the inning.

With two outs, the Bulldogs took advantage of opportunity in the third inning as junior first baseman Lizett Casillas (Pomona, CA) singled through the left side to score Neumann from second base.

However, the Crusaders answered with a run of their own in the top of the fourth to make it a 2-1 game in favor of the Bulldogs.

Nonetheless, the Maroon and Gray responded with a two-run outing in the bottom of the inning. This time senior center fielder Kayla Peterson (San Jose, CA) connected on a triple with runners on second and third for two RBI.

Redlands held Mary Hardin-Baylor scoreless through the final pitch while garnering an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth. Senior designated player Amanda Doeppel (Monrovia, CA) singled through the right side to lead off the inning. Pinch-running for Doeppel, sophomore right fielder Kirstie Bender (Lakewood, CA) eventually scored on an error to make it a 5-1 ball game.

The Crusaders had their chances in the seventh but ended the game with three left on base.

Senior pitcher Olivia Ellis (Colfax, CA) allowed just five hits and one run while fanning eight batters in her sixth win of the season.

During the nightcap, the teams battled it out in a pitchers' duel until the bottom of the fifth when the Bulldogs put two runs on the scoreboard. After Peterson singled up the middle, Neumann brought her home on a double to left center with two outs. Casillas then singled up the middle to score Neumann for the 2-0 lead.

The Crusaders responded with a double to start the next inning. After a Redlands error, the runner advanced to third and then came home on a single to right field.

With a slight 2-1 lead, Redlands rallied for four runs in the bottom of the sixth to secure the 6-1 victory. Doeppel walked and then sophomore second baseman Molly Duran (Corona, CA) singled to right center, which led to a pitching change for Mary Hardin-Baylor. Peterson eventually walked to load the bases with two outs. Sophomore third baseman Lindsay Henry (Lake Elsinore, CA) connected on a three-RBI double and then advanced to third on the throw. The momentum stayed in Redlands' corner with another hit by Neumann to score Henry from third.

Sophomore hurler Breanna Ruelas (Brawley, CA) pitched a complete game for the Bulldogs, allowing five hits while striking out three, to improve to 4-1 on the season.

Redlands (12-4, 8-0 SCIAC) returns to Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) action on Saturday with a noon doubleheader at Pomona-Pitzer Colleges.