If it feels like Bradley’s softball team just played its home opener a few weeks ago, that’d be because they did.
The team opened its 2014 home schedule with a series win over the Loyola Ramblers April 4 and 5. Exactly three weeks later, the team’s seniors said goodbye to their home fans with a three-game set against the Northern Iowa Panthers at Laura Bradley Park.
The series started with a pitcher’s duel. Bradley dropped the first game in the series 2-1 after UNI’s Jamie Fisher pitched a complete game, allowing just one run on five hits. She walked four and struck out seven.
Senior Madeline Lynch-Crumrine took the hard-luck loss for the Braves. She gave up just two runs on four hits, but the Bradley offense couldn’t solve Fisher in the opener.
“Jamie Fisher always has been a tough competitor when it comes to pitching,” senior shortstop Alex Chandler said. “Adjusting to her took us longer than we needed to.”
The Braves had more offensive troubles in game two, but it didn’t matter. Freshman Jaelen Hull was all but untouchable, giving up just five hits in seven shutout innings. She struck out one batter en route to her first-ever complete game shutout, a 1-0 victory.
With the win, the Braves set a record for most conference wins in a season. The win was the team’s 13th in the Missouri Valley Conference, breaking the record of 12 set in the mid-1980s and tied in 2009.
But it was Hull’s performance that stole the show.
Coach Amy Hayes said it was Hull’s best game since she gave up one run in six innings against Missouri in February.
“She was on point,” Hayes said. “When Jaelen can get the ball moving on two planes, she’s tough to hit. When she really puts her mind to something, she’s one of our more mentally tough kids.”
Sunday’s game was moved up to beat potential rainfall, but no time change could stop the tears from falling during the pregame ceremony.
Hayes honored seniors Chandler, Lynch-Crumrine, Bailiegh Basham, Mariah Cole Marina Groenewegen and Bri Joseph before the first pitch of the game. Chandler said it was an emotional time for the seniors.
“All of us had mixed emotions,” Chandler said. “But I don’t think it really hit us until we got called out onto the field and recognized for all the work that we’ve put in. I don’t think my emotions hit me until then, but I did have a few tears.”
The seniors had a huge impact on the finale. Chandler, Cole and Groenewegen each had a hit. Joseph picked up an RBI, and Crumrine earned the win by pitching her 20th complete game of the season.
Hayes highlighted Crumrine’s growth during her period on the Hilltop in particular.
“The biggest thing for Maddie has been the mental side of her game and the maturity she’s shown in the last four years,” Hayes said. “All of the seniors have had a lot of time on the field, but Maddie in particular has been able to control herself and gain confidence she needs in the circle. She’s one of the best I’ve ever coached.”
Hayes, Crumrine and the Braves aren’t done yet, however. The team squared off against St. Louis in a non-conference meeting.
Junior Lexi Creemens got the start for the Braves, but she couldn’t contain the Billikens, and the team fell to St. Louis 8-1.
Bradley will return to conference action Friday and Saturday in their final series of the season. The Braves head to Des Moines, Iowa to take on Drake. Coach Hayes said the Braves are going to have to play at a high level in order secure any victories against the Bulldogs.
“They’re good, Hayes said. “I’ve known the coach over there for a while, and I know his team is going to come to play. They’ve been hot of late, and it’s going to be their senior day, so their emotions are going to be high. We’re going to have to bring our A-game.”
